Iris (opera)

Iris is an opera in three acts by Pietro Mascagni to an original Italian libretto by Luigi Illica. Its first performance was at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome in 1899.

Related Topics:
Opera - Pietro Mascagni - Libretto - Luigi Illica - Teatro Costanzi - Rome - 1899

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The opera is through-composed and set in Japan during legendary times. (Mascagni's colleague and former roomate, Puccini, was present at the premiere; it is far from coincidence that his own next opera, Madama Butterfly, was also set in Japan.)

Related Topics:
Japan - Puccini - Madama Butterfly

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Though Mascagni's work is not standard repertory in America like Butterfly, Iris has always been popular in Europe, especially Italy. Two of Iriss most exquisite numbers are the tenor's serenade ("Apri la tua finestra") and the Hymn to the Sun ("Inno al Sole").

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