Cavalleria rusticana / Pagliacci

Story Line

Opera's most popular double bill, fondly known as Cav and Pag, conducted by Herbert von Karajan. In 'Cavalleria rusticana', Turiddu returns from military service to find that his fiancée Lola had married the carter Alfio while he was away. In revenge, Turiddu seduces Santuzza, a young woman in the village. In 'Pagliacci', the drama unfolds as Canio (Pagliaccio) struggles with rage, despair, and desire on learning of his wife Nedda's intended infidelity with Silvio. Canio's tragic conflict increasingly mirrors the comedy of Pagliaccio.

Top Cast

Jon Vickers

Canio

Gianfranco Cecchele

Turiddu

Fiorenza Cossotto

Santuzza

Adriana Martino

Lola

Giangiacomo Guelfi

Alfio

Anna Di Stasio

Lucia