Maruxa

The original (and, I think, better) version of Maruxa, with spoken dialogue. It was later revised into an opera, with all dialogue sung. There wasn't far to go...it was already quite operatic, and many scenes go on longer than dramatically necessary (it opens with a song and duet that is 13 minutes of, basically "we're in love"). Luckily, things pick up in the second half--still, it's tighter than several Italian operas I can think of. It's all picturesque and sweet, if a bit dull.