About the work
Nerone is a three-act opera by Pietro Mascagni to a libretto by Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti, based on Pietro Cossa's 1872 play of the same name. It was Mascagni's last completed stage work and premiered on 16 January 1935 at La Scala in Milan under the composer's own direction.
Plot
Emperor Nero spends his nights in taverns, reciting Sophocles, drinking and brawling instead of ruling. He falls in love with the young dancer Egloge, but his former companion Atte has her poisoned out of jealousy. When the Roman people finally acclaim Galba as emperor, Nero's rule collapses.
Cultural significance
Mascagni sent the score to Mussolini ahead of the premiere, but Mussolini declined the dedication and stayed away, sending Galeazzo Ciano in his place. Much of the music was recycled from Mascagni's unfinished 1907 project Vistilia, adapted years later to fit the Nerone story.