L’AMICO FRITZ FRIEND FRITZ

Opera in three acts, by Pietro Mascagni; text by Suaratoni , from the story by Erckmann-Chatrian. Produced, Rome, 1891. Philadelphia, by Gustav Hinrichs, June 8, 1892. New York, Metropolitan Opera House, with Calvé as Suzel , January 10, 1894. Characters | Fritz Kobus, a rich bachelor | Tenor | | David, a Rabbi | Baritone | | Frederico | } | friends of Fritz | { | Tenor | | Hanego | } | { | Tenor | | Suzel, a farmer's daughter | Soprano | | Beppe, a gypsy | Soprano | | Cater in a, a housekeeper | Contralto | Time —The present. Place —Alsace. Act I. Fritz Kobus , a well-to-do landowner and confirmed bachelor, receives felicitations on his fortieth birthday. He invites his friends to dine with him. Among the guests is Suzel , his tenant's daughter, who presents him with a nosegay, and sits beside him. Never before has he realized her charm. Rabbi David , a confirmed matchmaker, wagers with the protesting Fritz that he will soon be married. Act II. Friend Fritz is visiting Suzel's father. The charming girl mounts a ladder in the garden, picks cherries, and throws them down to Fritz , who is charmed. When Rabbi David appears and tells him that he has found a suitable husband for Suzel , Fritz cannot help revealing his own feelings. Act III. At home again Fritz finds no peace. David tells him Suzel's marriage has been decided on. Fritz loses his temper; says he will forbid the bans. Suzel , pale and sad, comes in with a basket of fruit. When her wedding is mentioned she bursts into tears. That gives Fritz his chance which he improves. David wins his wager, one of Fritz's vineyards, which he promptly bestows upon Suzel as a dowry. The duet of the cherries in the second act is the principal musical number in the opera.