Cavalleria Rusticana (Rustic cavalry)

During the prelude Turiddu, a young peasant on military service, sings the praises of Lola, his old lover.  While he was away in the army she has married Alfio, a carter, and for consolation he has turned to Santuzza.  The workers enter from the fields singing of the joy of Easter, as they leave, Santuzza enters and asks Lucia for news of her son, Turiddu.  Alfio arrives and sings happily of his life and of his wife Lola.  He states that he has seen Turiddu that morning and Santuzza hastily stops Lucia from showing her surprise.  Alfio leaves, the villagers re-enter and, lead by Santuzza, sing the great Easter Hymn.

After the villagers enter the church, Santuzza tells Lucia of Turidda's betrayal.  Lucia goes into church and Turidda enters, to be reproached by Santuzza, who is further distressed by Lola's mocking scorn.  Turidda follows Lucia into church and Santuzza curses him.  She persuades Alfio of his wife's treachery.

The famous intermezzo is followed by Turiddu leading all the villagers in a drinking song.  Alfio re-enters, Turiddu challenges him to a duel in Sicilian fashion by biting Alfio's ear.

Turiddu begs Lucia's blessing, asks her to be a mother to Santuzza and leaves.

Santuzza rushes in.  Suddenly a woman's scream is heard - "Turidda is killed!"

I Pagliacci (Clowns)

After a prelude and the famous prologue sung by Tonio the clown, the curtain rises on a happy village crowd welcoming a troupe of strolling players.  Canio, the leader, announces a performance that evening, and is laughed at by the crowd as he jealously pushes Tonio away from his pretty wife Nedda.

Left alone with Nedda, who, we gather, is unfaithful, Tonio passionately declares his love for her, but is rebuffed and is struck by a whip.  He leaves threatening revenge.  Silvio, Nedda's lover, enters and they arrange to run away that night.  Tonio overhears and brings Canio.  hey surprise the lovers but Silvio escapes and Nedda refuses to tell Canio her lover's name.  Tonio advises Canio that the evening's performance will surely reveal him.

Before an excited crowd the play begins.  Nedda (Columbine), after rejecting Tonio (Taddeo) welcomes Peppe (Harlequin) to supper.  Canio (Pagliacci) enters and disturbs them.  In the miserable reality of his situation Canio demands the name of his wife's lover and Nedda vainly tries to keep to the lines of the play.  Losing all control, Canio stabs his wife.  Silvio rushes up and Canio, recognising him as her lover, kills him also.  Tonio sobs out to the horrified villagers, "The comedy is finished".