"Pagliacci" (opera): brief content, actors, reviews

"Pagliacci" (opera), a summary of which is presented below, is one of the most famous works by the Italian composer Ruggero Leoncavallo, who is also the author and her libretto. Gramplastins, tape cassettes and CDs with the recording of the aria Vesti la Giubba performed by the great Enrico Caruso are still sold in multi-million copies.

Author

Ruggero Leoncavallo wrote more than 20 operas. He was a follower of verism and tried in his works to reflect the truth of life, bringing to the stage as heroes of ordinary people. Having, along with music education, a doctorate in literature, he often became the author of the libretto of his operatic works. In addition, Leoncavallo was an excellent pianist and as an accompanist toured throughout Europe.

Most often, when the name of this composer comes to mind, "Pagliacci" (opera, short and its actors are usually indicated in the programs distributed to the audience in the theater).

History of creation

In one of his interviews, Leoncavallo told reporters how he wrote his best work "Pagliacci" (opera). The contents of the libretto, according to the author, had a real basis, and he created it, guided by his childhood memories of the loud process that led his father-judge.

At the same time, most researchers of the composer's creativity tend to think that he embellished the reality, trying to warm up interest in the premiere in the Italian press, and in fact the composer inspired the play of Katyul Mendez about the stray actors.

At the same time, it should be noted that the action of the play "Pagliacci" (opera, briefly see below) takes place in Italy, in the village of Montalto, somewhere between 1865-1870, that is, not far from the native city of Leoncavallo and during the period, When he was a child.

Prologue

"Pagliacci" (an opera, the summary of which is presented below) begins with the appearance on the stage in front of the closed curtain of the clown Tonio. He addresses the audience and says that the play that they are about to see was born from the very heart of the author. Further, the clown reminds that actors, like all people, are endowed with feelings and passions, which are the main theme of the play. He finishes his opening aria on the top salt and opens the curtain.

The libretto of the opera "Pagliacci": a brief summary of the first action

A troupe of wandering comedians arrives in the village, led by Kanio and his wife Nedda. They are happily greeted by peasants. Canio declares that in the evening the performance will take place, and invites everyone to come and laugh at the comedy his actors will play.

Clown Tonio shows gallantry and wants to help Nedda get off the wagon. However, her husband removes the insolent and gives his hand to his wife.

The peasants invite comedians to drink for the success of their performance. The actor of the troupe Beppo and Canio agree, but Tonio wants to stay. Then one of the peasants lets out gross jokes about the fact that he is going to repel Nedda from his wife. Canio first laughs with everyone, but then frowns. After all, it's one thing when people laugh at it during a performance, and it's completely different if it becomes a target for ridicule in life, especially when it comes to his wife.

Nevertheless, the whole company, except Nedda and Tonio, goes to the tavern. Left alone with the owner's wife, the troupe admits to her in love. However, the woman ridicules the poor fellow, and when he tries to approach her, he strikes the insolent with a whip.

Holding the insult, the clown hides behind the shelter to overhear what Nedda and the young peasant Silvio talk about. It turns out that the woman has long been bothered by wandering life, constant deprivation and jealousy of Canio. She favorably listens to the recognition of Silvio and rewards him with a kiss.

Tonio is in a rush for revenge. He leads Canio, just at the moment when his wife promises the young peasant to belong to him the same night.

Hearing this, Canio tries to catch an opponent, but Silvio escapes, and the jealous man can not see his face. Trembling with anger, he demands that Nedda give him the name of her lover. In fierce jealousy Kanio swings his wife with a knife. Beppo does not allow him to let him into the business, and the wife persuades to go change clothes, as the time of submission is approaching.

Canio remains alone. He is desperate, but you need to play the play ...

Summary of the second action

Under the sound of a pipe and a drum, the audience gathers for a performance. The play begins on a hastily shuffled stage. In it as acting persons are:

• Pajac (Kanio);
• Colombina (Nedda);
• Harlequin (Beppo);
• Servant of Taddeo (Tonio).

According to the plot of the play, Colombina is waiting for her lover. To her dwelling is suitable Harlequin. He sings a love serenade. Pretty woman lets him into the house through the window. Lovers agree to flee the same night. Pagliets comes and hears the last words of Columbine. Ironically, this is the same phrase that Nedda said Silvio, promising to belong to him at night.

Kanio tries to keep his composure, but from this point on, the farce played by the comedians and his true family drama are woven. He ceases to play a role in the play and lives directly on the stage. Kanio demands that the spouse name the seducer. Nedda tries to turn everything into a joke, but internally shudders, because he knows how her husband is terrible in anger. However, nothing can be fixed. Kanio blocks his wife's way and stabs her. Dying, the woman calls Silvio. The young man jumps up and rushes to Nedda, hoping to save her. A jealous husband also kills him.

The peasants of Montalto rush to the place where the crime occurred. Horrified, Kanio drops the knife. He is desperate. Tonio announces to the audience that the comedy is over.

The most famous Russian productions

In our country the first "Pagliacci" was seen by the inhabitants of St. Petersburg. The Russian premiere took place in 1894. The performance was realized by the troupe IP Zazulin. This work was often performed during the Soviet period. Particularly famous is the play created by Boris Pokrovsky on the stage of the Bolshoi Theater, in which V. Atlantov, G. Kalinin, V. Bogachev, V. Verestnikov and Yu. Grigoriev were involved. Today the famous work of Leoncavallo can be seen not only in the capital, but also in other cities of Russia. For example, the opera Pagliacci was recently staged in Krasnodar.

The content of the libretto is such that the directors often endure the performance of the play today, especially since the themes of jealousy, love and betrayal are eternal. Perhaps, with this is the great popularity of the work of Leoncavallo.

Reviews

Although opera today is much inferior to the popularity of pop, he has many fans. Among the performances that collect the full halls, the "Pagliacci" are of particular interest.

As a rule, reviews about the staging of this opera are positive, as the magnificent arias of Leoncavallo are difficult to spoil. For example, the staging of St. Petersburg director Alexei Stepaniuc in Krasnodar was a bright event in the life of the city. In the opinion of those who have already seen it, the accolades deserve both actors and the ballet-tamer, and especially the costume designer Olga Reznichenko.

Now you know who and where were written "Pagliacci" (opera). The summary of this work is also known to you, which will allow you to get more pleasure from this performance, if you want to see it.