 I PAGLIACCI
Music by Ruggero Leoncavallo, Libretto by Ruggero Leoncavallo
English translations by either Frederic Weatherly or Tom Hammond
THE STORY
(Montalto in Calabria, Sicily; The Feast of the Assumption circa 1870)
A troupe of strolling players arrives in the Sicilian village of Calabria
to perform a comic play. Having drummed up support for the production
amongst the townsfolk, Canio retires to the tavern for a drink while
Tonio takes advantage of Canio's absence to declare his love for Nedda.
She firmly rejects his advances and is forced to defend herself with
a whip when he tries to kiss her. Nedda is in love with Silvio who has
persuaded her to elope with him after the play that night. However, Tonio
overhears their declarations of love and, seeking revenge on Nedda, informs
Canio of her betrayal. Canio returns too late to catch her lover but,
threatening her with a knife, demands to know his name. She refuses and
he is only prevented from carrying out his threats by Peppe who disarms
him and persuades them all to get ready for the performance. At first
the play exactly mirrors events to date - Taddeo's professions of love
for Columbine are rejected in favour of Harlequin's and when Pagliaccio
discovers she has a lover he demands that she confess his name. It soon
becomes clear, however, that Canio is referring to Nedda's lover in reality
and is no longer acting the part of Pagliaccio. When she declares that
she will never divulge his name, Canio, in a jealous rage, lunges at
her with a knife and strikes her down. As she collapses, she calls for
Silvio thereby identifying her lover. As he rushes to her side, he too
is fatally wounded by Canio, and the "comedy" comes abruptly
to a close amid much confusion.
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