It premiered on 28 March 1895 at the Teatro Comunale in Trieste.

Marussa's miserly father, Menico, is convinced by the village fiddler, Biagio, to marry her off to Nicola.

Marussa is tricked into believing that Lorenzo has been unfaithful, and her wedding to Nicola is quickly arranged.

In her room, shortly before the wedding, Marussa begs Nicola to release her from their engagement.

During the fight, Nicola stabs Lorenzo, who dies in Marussa's arms.