Scene One

The action takes place in what was the present day, in a Sicilian village on Easter morning. During an orchestral prelude Turiddu, from behind the curtain, sings a Siciliana in praise of Lola, "O Lola, bianca come fior di spino" (Lola, fair as flowers smiling in beauty). After Turiddu waxes poetic about her lips and cheeks, the curtain rises on a crowd of villagers streaming into their colorfully adorned village church, its ringing bells calling everyone to the early morning Easter service. Santuzza, a young peasant girl, steps up to Lucia's house and asks where Turiddu may be lingering. Lucia, Turiddu's mother, is surprised and answers that Turiddu is in Francoforte purchasing wine. Santuzza, however, knows that Turiddu is at the house —she saw him in town only last night. Santuzza confesses to Turiddu's mother that her son has behaved badly to her; she feels terrible and ashamed and wants to leave town. Santuzza knows he is not out shopping for wine, because she saw him on his way to visit Lola, with whom he is in love, even though she is married to Alfio. Lola has won over Turiddu and has caused him to be unfaithful to Santuzza. Alfio, as yet, know nothing of his bride's infidelity.

Alfio comes home singing a spirited wagoner's song and happy about the rest he will get on the holiday. Santuzza asks Lucia to be quiet about the affair and begs her to pray for her. She waits alone at the church, hoping to see Turiddu. When Turiddu appears, Santuzza asks him where he has been. She does not believe he went to Francoforte to purchase wine and aggressively questions him. Turiddu wants to explain himself, but as he begins to realize he has been found out, his shame drives him to shout at Santuzza. With a threatening voice he tells her he will not be her slave. The passionate exchange is brought to a halt by the appearance of Lola, who suddenly enters singing a lighthearted song. She infuriates Turiddu by asking him about Alfio, scoffs at Santuzza and leaves them both behind in an agitated state. In vain, Santuzza resumes entreating Turiddu, asking him not to leave her. He pushes her away from him and runs after Lola. When Alfio enters, Santuzza reveals to him his wife's infidelity. Santuzza's news unleashes Alfio's rage, and he swears bloody revenge on his betrayer. Santuzza realizes, too late, what she, in her despair, has done.

A powerful orchestral intermezzo divides the opera into two scenes.



Scene Two

It is now full daylight, and the sun has completely risen. The people of the village stream out of the church. Turiddu wants to be away from the crowd and invites his friends to join him for a drink. Lola, too, will come along. As the group sings songs and passes mugs around, Alfio enters the scene. He refuses the wine Turiddu offers him. Everyone senses that something unpleasant is about to happen, and the women leave, taking the frightened Lola with them. As the two men embrace, Alfio bites Turiddu on the ear—the traditional Sicilian method of challenging someone to a duel. Suddenly, remorse wells up inside Turiddu, and he convinces himself to be courageous. He declares that he must live for his Santuzza and that his death will be a dagger in her heart. Alfio, unmoved, tells Turiddu he will meet him in the orchard. Turiddu calls to his mother, asking for her blessing and protection for Santuzza if he does not return. Lucia does not understand, and her son walks outside. Excited, Santuzza runs to Lucia. The two women embrace as other women rush in from outside exclaiming, "Turiddu is murdered!" Santuzza and Lucia faint.

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