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LEONCAVALLO'S
PAGLIACCI
Week
09
Description
This
seldom seen label introduces an opera classic to the kids.
Composed by Ruggero Leoncavallo (1858-1919), it is the story of a sad clown
who, betrayed by his wife, must make his audience laugh while he weeps behind a painted smile.
Driven to madness, his jealous rage brings about a tragic finale.
There have been many references to Pagliacci in popular culture. An episode of Seinfeld entitled "The Opera", features the four main characters attending a performance of Pagliacci.
Elaine's stalker, Crazy Joe Davola, buys a ticket from Kramer and sits near Elaine while dressed in a clown suit.
In the Smokey Robinson and the Miracles 1967 hit, "Tears of a Clown," the
singer likens himself to the broken hearted Pagliacci, who hides his hurt and anger behind an empty
smile.
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