• Pietro Mascagni. Commedia lirica in three acts. 1891.
• Libretto by P. Suardon, after the story L’Ami Fritz of Erckmann-Chatrian.
• First performance at the Teatro Costanzi, Rome, on 31st October 1891.

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CHARACTERS

Fritz Kobus, a landowner	tenor
David, rabbi & matchmaker	baritone
Suzel, daughter of steward to Fritz Kobus	soprano
Beppe, a gypsy	mezzo-soprano
Hanezo, a friend of Fritz Kobus	bass
Federico, a friend of Fritz Kobus	tenor
Caterina, housekeeper to Fritz Kobus	soprano

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Fritz Kobus is a confirmed bachelor, but his friend David, the rabbi, tells him that within a year he will be married. Fritz is ready to stake his vineyard on the matter, since he is content as he is. Suzel, the daughter of his steward, eventually becomes Fritz’s bride, when he seeks to save her from a supposed marriage that she does not want.

L’amico Fritz was staged the year after the great success of Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana. It provides music of great charm, not least in the cherry-picking duet between the two principal characters in the second act, Suzel, buon dì (Suzel, good day), as well as Suzel’s Son pochi fiori (A few flowers), the instrumental Intermezzo that starts the third act and Fritz’s O Amore, o bella luce (O Love, O fair light).