La gazza ladra

Act One

Preparations are underway for the return of the beloved hero Giannetto, who is coming home from the war. His mother and father, Lucia and Fabrizio Vingradito, are putting together a huge welcome home party for him and everybody in the village is invited. Pippo, a young peasant who works for Fabrizio, starts off the festivities with the chorus, but is soon disturbed from his work by La gazza (the magpie) who keeps calling his name, and he tries in vain to catch the bird, to the amusement of the villagers. Lucia, thoroughly enjoying her role as hostess, soon whips the people into shape and sets them work, although she hasn’t seen Ninetta or Fabrizio for some time. Fabrizio’s disappearance is soon explained, when he arrives from the wine cellar, rosy-faced and celebrating the gifts of Bacchus, the god of wine.

Thoughts soon turn to their son’s return, and their dream that he might finally settle down and marry. Lucia is determined to make the arrangements herself for a bride,