Pagliacci
CHAN 3003
Hi Fi News & Reviews
'This spanking new English version under the direction of the superb David Parry has a cast of singers who are totally inspired in their roles from beginning to end, from Tonio's half-apologetic 'Hello, Hello.' at the beginning of the Prologue, through to the jealous suspicions of Canio, a very real, vital portrayal and a singer who never indulges in sobs and pathos. We are immediately caught up with the ongoing tensions and turmoil. Rosa Mannion's Nedda is devious and suggestive, brutally callous at the same time. There is a wonderful sense of perspective, too, when the behind-the-scenes chorus suddenly burst through to the foreground...'
Opera in a prologue and two acts
English translation by Edmund Tracey
The Cast
Alan Opie, baritone - Tonio
Dennis O'Neill, tenor - Canio
Peter Bronder, tenor - Beppe
Rosa Mannion, soprano - Nedda
William Dazeley, baritone - Silvio
Paul Parfitt, bass-baritone - local
Peter Hall, tenor - local

Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
Peter Kay Children`s Choir
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Brad Cohen - assistant conductor
David Parry - conductor
Recorded in Blackheath Halls, London
7-10 August 1997
Producer - Brian Couzens
Sound engineer - Ben Connellan
Assistant engineer - Richard Smoker


Gramophone
‘Dennis O'Neill's Canio is fine as to vocal resource and avoidance of cheapness... Rosa Mannion is an admirable Nedda, and both baritones do well, Alan Opie excellent in the Prologue, William Dazeley showing himself a lyric baritone of pleasing quality and tasteful style. The off-stage serenade is nicely sung by Peter Brander, and the chorus are fine. Over the years, David Parry's conducting has grown steadily in authority, and in the climax more than fulfils expectations. With effective work by producer and sound engineers, this is a Pagliacci which will enhance appreciation of the opera and take a worthy place in the eminently collectable series.’

Opera
'Opie sings a vital Prologue, then a magnificently malign Tonio. Dazeley, handsome of voice, is ideally suave as Silvio.'