Search - Leoncavallo - Pagliacci on DVD

Spectacular opera

leelee | Chicago, IL | 01/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first production of Pagliacci that I have seen or heard. Beyond hearing the beautiful aria "Vesti la guibba", I was not familiar with this opera. This is a first rate performance with a fantastic cast. Roberto Alagna really sings his heart out and puts his soul into being Pagliacci. His character's moods are mercurial and dark. Alagna's version of "Vesti" is heartbreaking. He is also an excellent actor. Vassileva is a fine soprano, good actress and extremely beautiful. However, I found her voice to be rather chilly which probably worked well in conveying her character's cold-heartedness. I highly recommend this opera. I think anyone that has been rejected or dumped can sympathize with Pagliacci's plight. The theme of rejection and revenge strikes a chord with all of us."

AMAZING ALAGNA!

Charles D. novak | minneapolis, minnesota USA | 03/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Alagna out sings himself in this glorious production of PAGLIACCI. Now if he can keep the bar this high for all his other performances we've got another super star for the history books. Svetia Vassileva catches on fire as Nedda and her leather outfit and sexy hat help matters along. What a terrific performance. Calling all opera lovers! Buy this DVD!"

Magnifico...Pagliacci, Indeed

Barbara Binkley | Pottstown, PA USA | 02/14/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"WOW! Roberto Agagna is truly on top of his game in this Pagliacci! This was the very first time that I vigorously felt Canio's intense pain. I hadn't realized that Alagna has become such a strong, virile performer since the Tosca movie filmed in 2000. I saw Alagna recently on January 16, 2010, at the Live From The Met transmission of Carmen and this same virility emitted from him as Don Jose. Alagna presently is in as fine a voice as ever I've heard him. (I have several recordings.) Svetia Vassileva was at home with herself as Nedda. I had never heard of her before but Svetia Vassileva was Nedda to the hilt, in build, temperament and, most especially vocally. I was only disappointed in Enrico Marrucci as Silvio. Silvio is a hard role to cast well. I'm fixated on the Silvio of Simon Keenlyside from a 2000 CD recording. A strong, charismatic Silvio is needed to be a convincing lover of the vibrant Nedda for her to risk her very life for love with this man of a much more placid temperament than the fiery Canio. THIS PAGLIACCI IS AS GOOD AS IT GETS!!!! I don't expect to see it surpassed any time soon. Buy it now."