Distesa di Iris Bozzetto - Atto III di Iris di P. Mascagni

Product Information

• Setting: Poster
• Length: 1 page
• Publisher: Ricordi
• UPC/Item Number: STP00000100
• Other Reference: STP1
• ISMN: 9790215202344 / 979-0215202344

Overview

"Distesa di Iris" is a visually arresting bozzetto (scenic sketch or poster) representing Act III of Iris, the deeply emotional opera by Pietro Mascagni. Premiered in 1898 at Teatro Costanzi in Rome, Iris is a quintessential example of Italian verismo opera, though it departs from the typical gritty realism of the genre by venturing into a dreamlike and symbolist landscape, heavily influenced by the West’s fascination with Japanese culture at the time. The title “Distesa di Iris” ("The Lying Figure of Iris" or "Iris Stretched Out") refers to the opera’s climactic and most tragic moment, where the protagonist, Iris—a young and innocent girl—lies abandoned and dying beneath a rising sun, having been betrayed, objectified, and cast out. This powerful visual composition evokes themes of purity, sacrifice, and transcendence, echoing the opera’s exploration of spiritual suffering and redemption. The motif of the rising sun plays a central symbolic role in both the libretto and Mascagni’s music, representing a cosmic force of illumination, renewal, and inevitable truth.

Mascagni’s orchestral writing in Act III is particularly rich and emotionally charged. Through lush harmonies, oriental-inspired motifs, and an almost cinematic use of leitmotif, the composer crafts a sonic landscape that parallels the emotional arc of Iris as she moves from delirium to death to symbolic transfiguration. The music is not merely an accompaniment to the drama, but a psychological mirror that captures Iris's inner world—her memories, hallucinations, and final, transcendent moments. The bozzetto visually reflects this emotional and symbolic layering. Often rendered with luminous tones and stylized, dreamlike imagery, the poster captures Iris in a state of vulnerable repose, surrounded by natural elements such as irises or beams of morning light—symbols of beauty, fragility, and fleeting existence. The design might also hint at Japonisme, the late-19th-century European artistic movement that idealized Japanese aesthetics, reinforcing the opera’s exotic setting while heightening its allegorical dimensions. "Distesa di Iris" thus functions as both a narrative image and a symbolic tableau. It captures the dramatic essence of the opera while inviting the viewer into the aesthetic and emotional world Mascagni created—a world where light, sound, and sorrow converge in one of the most haunting finales in the verismo tradition.

Product Features

• Format: Poster
• Dimensions: Standard poster size
• Content: Visual representation of Act III from the opera "Iris"
• Artistic Style: Reflects the dramatic and thematic elements of Mascagni's composition

Interesting Facts

• Composer Background: Pietro Mascagni (1863-1945) was a prominent Italian composer known for his operatic works, particularly his ability to convey deep emotional narratives through music. "Iris" is one of his most celebrated operas, showcasing his lyrical style and dramatic flair.
• Opera Context: "Iris" tells the story of a young girl living with her blind father, who becomes the target of two men plotting to abduct her. The opera is set in Japan and is notable for its lush orchestration and evocative melodies, which enhance the emotional depth of the narrative.
• Cultural Significance: The opera is a significant part of the Italian operatic repertoire and is often performed for its rich character development and exploration of complex themes, making it a favorite among audiences and performers alike.

Publishers

Published by Ricordi, a distinguished music publishing house that specializes in classical and contemporary music, ensuring the preservation and promotion of significant works.

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