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Opera San Jose's Pagliacci/Cavalleria rusticana Double-Bill Utilizes Bärenreiter's In-Depth Critical Editions

Jan. 30, 2026

The tried-and-tested operatic double-bill of Ruggero Leoncavallo and Pietro Mascagni’s best-known operatic works is in repertory at Opera San Jose in California from February 15-March 1. The new production, led by conductor Alma Deutscher and director Shawna Lucey, uses Bärenreiter's critical editions edited by Andreas Giger, which provide an in-depth view of these verismo milestones. Based on Leoncavallo’s autograph score, a consistent edition of Pagliacci is published for the first time, making available the original one-act version without the Prologue and the Intermezzo, as well as the later composer-authorized final version in two acts containing the Prologue and the Intermezzo. Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana is also now available in a critical edition, enabling opera companies to choose between the familiar edition and the original one. The one-act opera was composed for a competition organized by the publisher Sonzogno; however, in the course of preparations for the premiere in 1890 at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome Mascagni made extensive cuts. These are listed in the appendix to the full score.

To learn more about these and other works in Bärenreiter's Masterpieces of Italian Opera Series, click here.

Ruggero Leoncavollo
Pagliacci
Opera in one act (original version)/Opera in two acts (final version)
libretto (It.) by the composer
edited by Andreas Giger
Cast: Nedda/Colombina (soprano), Canio/Pagliaccio (tenor), Tonio/Taddeo (baritone), Beppo/Arlecchino (tenor), Silvio (baritone), Two Peasants (bass, tenor), chorus (children, SATB)
Orchestra: 3(pic).2(eh).2.bcl.3-4.3.3.1-timp-perc-2hp-str; stage music: ob.tpt.perc.vn
Duration: c. 75'
Publisher: Bärenreiter, full score available for sale, performance material on hire

Pietro Mascagni
Cavalleria rusticana
melodramma in un atto
edited by Andreas Giger in collaboration with Helen M. Greenwald
Cast: Turiddu (tenor), Santuzza (soprano), Lucia (alto), Alfio (baritone), Lola (mezzosoprano), Choir
Orchestra: 2pic.2.2.2.2-4.2.3.1-timp-3perc-hp-str; stage music: harp
Duration: c. 70 minutes
Publisher: Bärenreiter, full score available for sale, performance material on hire

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