I am very fond of both Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci, which are often in partnership. I prefer Pagliacci for the story, but while both have amazing music Cavelleria with its many beautiful, poignant melodies as seen with the Intermezzo, Mama Quel Vino Generoso and Easter Hymn just clinches it for me when it comes to the music.
The 1978 Met production is rock solid, and while Sherrill Milnes' Tonio in Pagliacci was the best performance of the whole night I think personally Cavalleria was a little more impressive in terms of visual design and staging.
Visually the production does look very promising, with beautiful set design and lovely if not too fancy costumes. The direction, orchestral playing and conducting are all top notch, and the story while perhaps not as dramatic as Pagliacci's is easy to follow and always maintains interest.
The performances, both singing and acting wise, are truly excellent. Jean Kraft makes for a poignant Mama Lucia, Vern Schinell is fine as Alfio and Isola Jones is a very good Lola. Placido Domingo is in wonderful voice, shows a lot of generosity about him looks wise and demonstrates an outstanding acting ability, with his Mama Quel Vino Generoso especially heartfelt. Stealing the show is the late Tatiana Troyanos as Santuzza, while impassioned she is also everything Santuzza should be and I adore her voice, it is beautifully produced and a perfect anecdote for any relaxation if you are in need of it.
Overall, very solid. 9/10 Bethany Cox