The Pagliacci (opera), the summary of which is presented below, is one of the most famous works of the Italian composer Ruggiero Leoncavallo, who is also the author and her libretto. Vesti la Giubba records, arias by the great Enrico Caruso, are still being sold to many millions.
Author
Ruggiero Leoncavallo wrote more than 20 operas. He was a follower of verismo and tried in his works to reflect the truth of life, bringing to the stage as ordinary people heroes. Having, along with musical education, a doctorate in literature, he often himself became the author of the libretto of his opera works. In addition, Leoncavallo was an excellent pianist and toured throughout Europe as an accompanist.
Most often, with the name of this composer, “Pagliacci” comes to mind (the opera, its summary, 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 content of the libretto, according to the author, had a real basis, and he created it, guided by his childhood memories of the high-profile process that was conducted by his father-judge.
However, most researchers of the composer's work tend to believe that he embellished reality, trying to foster interest in the premiere in the Italian press, and in fact the composer was inspired by the play of Katyul Mendes about vagrant actors.
At the same time, it should be noted that the performance of “Pagliacci” (opera, for a summary, see below) takes place in Italy, in the village of Montalto, somewhere between 1865-1870, that is, not far from the hometown of Leoncavallo and in the period when he was a child.
Prologue
The “Pagliacci” (opera, the summary of which is presented below) begins with the appearance on the stage in front of the curtain of the clown Tonio. He turns to the audience and tells that the play that they have to watch was born from the very heart of the author. Further, the clown recalls that the actors, like all people, are endowed with feelings and passions, which are the main theme of the performance. He finishes his opening aria on the upper salt and opens the curtain.
Libretto of the opera Pagliacci: a brief summary of the first act
A troupe of wandering comedians arrives in the village, led by Canio and his wife Nedda. They are joyfully greeted by peasants. Canio announces that the performance will take place in the evening, and invites everyone to come and laugh at the comedy that his actors will play.
Clown Tonio shows gallantry and wants to help Nedda get off the wagon. However, her husband removes the insolent and himself gives his wife his hand.
Peasants invite comedians to drink for the success of their performance. The troupe actor Beppo and Canio agree, but Tonio wants to stay. Then one of the peasants makes rude jokes about the fact that he is going to recapture Nedda from her husband. Canio at first laughs with everyone, but then frowns. After all, it is one thing when people make fun of him during the performance, and quite another if he becomes the 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 wife of the owner of the troupe, the latter declares her love. However, the woman makes fun of the poor fellow, and when he still tries to approach her, he strikes the insolent whip.
Holding a grudge, the clown hides behind a shelter to eavesdrop on what Nedda and the young peasant Silvio are talking about. It turns out that the woman has long been tired of wandering life, constant deprivation and jealousy Canio. She favorably listens to Silvio's confession and rewards him with a kiss.
Tonio’s revenge plan is ripening. He brings Canio, just at the moment when his wife promises the young peasant to belong to him that very night.
Hearing this, Canio tries to catch an opponent, but Silvio runs away, and the jealous man does not manage to see his face. Trembling with anger, he demands that Nedda give him the name of her lover. In fierce jealousy, Canio swings his wife with a knife. Beppo does not allow him to put him into business, and his wife persuades him to go change, as the time for the performance is approaching.
Canio is left alone. He is desperate, but a play needs to be played ...
Summary of the second action
To the sound of the trumpet and drum, the audience gathers for the performance. The play begins on hastily put together stages. In it as the actors are:
- Payak (Canio);
- Columbine (Nedda);
- Harlequin (Beppo);
- servant of Taddeo (Tonio).
According to the plot of the play, Columbine is waiting for her lover. Harlequin approaches her home. He sings a love serenade. Beauty lets him into the house through the window. Lovers agree to flee that night. The clown comes and hears the last words of Columbine. Ironically, this is the same phrase that Nedda said to Silvio, promising to belong to him at night.
Canio tries to maintain his composure, but from that moment on, the farce played out by comedians and his genuine family drama are intertwined. He ceases to play a role in the play and lives directly on stage. Canio requires the spouse to give the name of the seducer. Nedda tries to turn everything into a joke, but shudders internally, as she knows how terrible her husband is in anger. However, nothing can be fixed. Canio blocks his wife and stabs her. Dying, the woman is calling Silvio. The young man jumps up and rushes to Nedda, hoping to save her. A jealous husband kills him too.
Montalto peasants rush to the place where the crime occurred. Terrified, Canio 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 "Payants" were seen by residents of St. Petersburg. The Russian premiere took place in 1894. The performance was carried out by the troupe of I.P. Zazulin. This work was often performed during the Soviet period. 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. Grigoryev were especially famous. 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 directors often transfer the performance to the present day, especially since the themes of jealousy, love and betrayal are eternal. Perhaps this is due to the huge popularity of the work of Leoncavallo.
Reviews
Although opera today is much inferior in popularity to pop, he has many fans. Among the performances, which gather full halls, the "Pagliacci" are of particular interest.
As a rule, reviews of the productions of this opera are positive, since the magnificent Leoncavallo arias are difficult to spoil. For example, the staging of the St. Petersburg director Alexei Stepanyuk in Krasnodar became a highlight in the life of the city. According to those who have already seen her, both the actors and the ballet dancer, and especially the costume designer Olga Reznichenko, deserve praise.
Now you know by whom and where “Pagliacci” (opera) was written. You also know the summary of this work, which will allow you to enjoy this performance more if you want to watch it.