Pagliacci burst
on the operatic scene in 1892, at the Teatro Dal Verme in
Milan. It was the greatest night in Leoncavallo’s life despite some major disasters which
occurred during the performance. In the opening scene, the
traveling circus troupe’s donkey was afflicted with stage
fright, slipped and almost fell over the footlights, arousing
the audience’s laughter, which continued as the dazed
animal brayed and kicked. But the audience loved the music,
and many numbers had to be repeated. There were fifteen curtain-calls
at the end of the opera.
Pagliacci, variously translated as Traveling
Players or Clowns, is a quintessential example
of the naturalistic/realistic style referred to as Italian verismo. A
tight, well-structured libretto uses the play-within-a-play
device to explore classic themes of passion, adultery, jealousy,
and revenge in an exuberant, dramatic, poignant and lyrical
operatic setting.
It remains one of those fabulous mini-operas which is accessible
to a much wider audience than grand opera often captivates. Over
one hundred years later, it still breathes the air of real life
with its violence, romance and theatricality.
Join us after the opera for a Celebrazione
Italiana. Feast with the stars of Pagliacci in the lobby of
the Valentine Theatre. |
