Pagliacci

Story & Setting:

In a working-class Sicilian town, the arrival of a theatrical troupe ends in tragedy between the titular clown Canio and his unfaithful wife Nedda. Using characters from the Commedia dell'Arte, the opera's action is quick and intense, with a score to match. David McVicar's production sets the action two generations later than the original, in the post–World War II period.

Opera Notes:

Leoncavallo was greatly influenced by the success of Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana, and aimed to create a similar one-act opera in the verismo style. The musical language, small-town Sicilian setting, and tragic love triangle have led to this piece traditionally being presented as a double bill alongside its inspiration.

Sung in

Italian

Length:

75 minutes

Ruggero Leoncavallo (1857-1919)

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