Leoncavallo: I Pagliacci

Del Monaco, Tucci, Protti, D'Orazi; Morelli

Tokyo, 1961

$5.95

Description:

It’s remarkable how much great Italian opera emerged from Japan in the 1960s. In this performance, Mario Del Monaco takes on the role of Canio, captured in what would become the only video document of him in this part. The result is electric. Though past his prime, Del Monaco still delivers thrilling B-flats and B-naturals—and, more importantly, as the opera unfolds, he truly sounds like a man unraveling before our eyes.

Nedda is always a challenge to cast, requiring both youthful innocence and a steely edge. Gabriella Tucci rises to the occasion, excelling on all fronts. Aldo Protti’s voice may be almost too beautiful for Tonio, but it’s hard to hold that against him when he offers such a heartfelt Prologue, crowned with a superb A-flat.

The sound is excellent.

In Mono

OD 10299-1