| Nozze istriane | |
|---|---|
| Opera by Antonio Smareglia | |
 Gemma Bellincioni, who created the role of Marussa | |
| Librettist | Luigi Illica |
| Language | Italian |
| Premiere | 28 March 1895 Teatro Comunale, Trieste |
Nozze istriane (An Istrian wedding) is an opera in three acts by Antonio Smareglia to an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica. It premiered on 28 March 1895 at the Teatro Comunale in Trieste.[1]
| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, 28 March 1895 (Conductor: ) |
|---|---|---|
| Marussa | soprano | Gemma Bellincioni[2] |
| Lorenzo | tenor | Roberto Stagno |
| Menico, Marussa's father | bass | Ruggero Galli |
| Biaggio, the village fiddler | bass | Rodolfo Angelini |
| Nicola | baritone | Tito Scipione Terzi |
| Luze | mezzo-soprano | Elisa Marconini |
| Peasant men and women of Dignano | ||
Marussa and Lorenzo, two young villagers, are in love. However, a more wealthy suitor, Nicola, has said that he would waive a dowry. Marussa's miserly father, Menico, is convinced by the village fiddler, Biagio, to marry her off to Nicola. Marussa is tricked into believing that Lorenzo has been unfaithful, and her wedding to Nicola is quickly arranged. In her room, shortly before the wedding, Marussa begs Nicola to release her from their engagement. Nicola refuses, and Lorenzo (who had been hiding behind the curtains), leaps out and attacks Nicola with a knife. During the fight, Nicola stabs Lorenzo, who dies in Marussa's arms.[3]
