Alfio from Cavalleria Rusticana original pen and ink and watercolour illustration by Rosie Brooks

Original artwork by Rosie Brooks - an unframed pen and ink and watercolour piece on paper measuring approximately 15 x 20 cm. The artwork is signed by the artist and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, making it the perfect gift for collectors of illustration.

Alfio is a character in the opera Cavalleria Rusticana by Italian composer Pietro Mascagni. He is a wealthy carter and the husband of Lola, who is having an affair with Turiddu, the protagonist of the opera.

Alfio is a proud and hot-tempered man, who is deeply offended when he discovers his wife's infidelity with Turiddu. In the opera, he challenges Turiddu to a duel, which ultimately leads to Turiddu's death.

Alfio is an important character in the opera as he represents the traditional values and honor of Sicilian society. He is a foil to Turiddu, who is impulsive and reckless, and serves as a reminder of the consequences of disregarding the established social norms.

Alfio's character is often portrayed as stern and serious, and his music is marked by powerful and rhythmic melodies. His aria "Il cavallo scalpita" is a highlight of the opera and is often performed in concerts and recitals.

Overall, Alfio is a complex character in Cavalleria Rusticana who embodies the conflicts and tensions of Sicilian society in the late 19th century. His actions and motivations drive the plot of the opera and provide insight into the cultural and social context in which the story takes place.

Cavalleria Rusticana is an opera composed by Italian composer Pietro Mascagni. It premiered in Rome, Italy in 1890 and is one of the most famous examples of the verismo style of Italian opera.

The story of Cavalleria Rusticana is set in a small village in Sicily, and revolves around the love triangle between Turiddu, Lola, and Santuzza. Turiddu is in love with Lola, who is married to the wealthy Alfio. Santuzza is in love with Turiddu and is heartbroken when she discovers that he is with Lola. The opera explores themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal, and ends in a tragic climax when Turiddu is killed in a duel with Alfio.

Cavalleria Rusticana is known for its powerful music, which includes famous arias such as "Siciliana" and "Intermezzo." It has been performed all over the world and has been adapted for film, television, and stage productions.

In addition to Cavalleria Rusticana, Mascagni composed several other operas and other works, including L'amico Fritz, Iris, and Silvano. He is considered one of the leading composers of the verismo style, which emphasized realism and naturalism in opera and was influential in the development of modern Italian opera.