Leoncavallo - I Pagliacci / Mascagni - Cavalleria Rusticana / Domingo, Stratas, Pons, Bruson, Obraztsova, Pretre (1983)

Wonderful

I rented this opera and loved it so much that had to purchase it. The singing and acting is wonderful and I wasn't that familar with this opera before I saw it, but have watched it three times since. The music is haunting. Absolutly loved it. July 16, 2008

Get it just for the Pagliacci - you won't be disappointed!

There are some people who won't even give Cav a chance (the second opera on the dvd), but I watched it. Now I don't blame anyone for not watching it. Now I only watch the second part of the dvd with I Pagliacci, because it is PHENOMENAL. I wish the staging would have been a little better (more believable when they are at their camp) but that blanches in comparison to the acting. Domingo is a little past his prime here, but his voice does not suffer. He plays this character with a brutal realism that makes you fear him but pity him at the same time. Of course, the famous aria "Laugh, Clown" is absolutely heart-wrenching and beautifully sung. I found myself just going back to listen/watch the aria for the emotions on Domingo's face. It's always nice to find great opera singers also be amazing actors and actresses, and Domingo does not disappoint. Get this for the amazing Pagliacci (it's not even that long, so thoroughly enjoyable for opera fanatics and those who are just getting into it) and have a dvd that you will enjoy in your library for years and years. December 12, 2007

Leoncavallo - I Pagliacci / Mascagni - Cavalleria Rusticana / Domingo, Stratas, Pons, Bruson, Obraztsova, Pretre

If you have never seen or heard an opera before and you love a love triangle and tragedy then this is the perfect opera for you. It is absolutely, positively my favorite one of all time. Every time I hear and see this opera (dvd) I'm moved to tears. You will not be disappointed. November 27, 2007

Pagliacci is phenomenal!

I have to admit I still haven't watched Cav, but it doesn't matter because Pagliacci alone sells this dvd!In fact, I'd buy it just to hear and see Placido Domingo's powerful Vesti la Giubba! He truly shows us here that he's not only a great singer but a great actor as well. You feel such pity for him during the aforementioned scene-and he takes you flawlessly to Canio's madness in the final heart-pounding act! Juan Pons is also fantastic as Tonio-especially in the prologue. Teresa Stratas is a wonderful, sympathetic Nedda and Franco Zeffirelli's direction is flawless - love his use of shadow and light in this production. It's difficult to believe this was filmed in less than two days! Fantastic, wonderful!AAA+++ October 1, 2007

Cavalleria Rusticana/I Pagliacci

Domingo is at his best,and Obraztsova is wonderful. Quite frankly I am not ashamed to say that I cried during most of Mascagni's opera. On the 50th anniversary of this opera, Gigli was introduced by Mascagni to sing the part of "Turiddu"; but in my opinion, and I am 76 years old, Domingo out shines Gigli. July 29, 2007

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