I have loved Pagliacci all my musical life. The most important and beautiful among the "verista" operas. In this version Pavarotti exceeds himself in drama and concentration, even though he is no match in acting to Teresa Stratas, both here make the perfect (if this is possible) performance. The conducting and the ensemble are excellent! This DVD is matched with Il Tabarro, another beautiful opera, from the maturity of Puccini. Placido Domingo joins Teresa Stratas in this violent play. Both operas were taped in a historical performance at Metropolitan Opera in New York when Stratas was in her 35th anniversary of debuting there.