MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Mascagni/Leoncavallo: Cavalleria Rusticana / Pagliacci (complete operas recorded in 1960/62 with libretto)

"[W]hen we come to the inseparable Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci Corelli is on his home ground. Viva il vino is a show piece but Mamma quell vino e generoso is one of the most emotionally charged arias in the opera literature. Here it begins off-stage before he comes into full focus. There is a great risk that the tenor becomes too lachrymose but Corelli largely avoids this and turns in a reading to set beside Björling or Bergonzi - and more heroic than either.

Pagliacci was his first complete opera for EMI, set down a month and a half before the more famous Norma... Un tal gioco is sung with melting tone, almost on a par with Bergonzi's early Cetra recording. Vesti la giubba is again comparable to Bergonzi's, though a size larger. Tears at the end can't be avoided but up till then it is almost classically stylish. No, Pagliaccio non son finally, and to the bitter end, is impossible to play 'straight, which would be in opposition to the whole idea with verismo. But even here Corelli keeps a certain mental distance but he has all the power in the world for the climaxes. With Met stalwart Lucine Amara a strong Nedda this is one of the most bloodcurdling recordings of this finale." Musicweb