Cavalleria Rusticana/I Pagliacci [With Superb Recordings of the Complete Operas on Two]

Being somewhat new to Opera, I have been a faithful student of this series of (Black Dog) books with CD. This particular book prepared me to see these two wonderful operas as well as to enjoy them afterwards at home. Having the libretto is priceless and the CDs for both Cavalleria Rusticana and I Pagliacci are simply marvelous. I felt I enjoyed the live performance I attended more after reading and listeming to this at home first, and now I have it forever to listen to again and again. Simply Wonderful!

Combining both words and music, this edition of EMI's Black Dog Opera Library is a beautiful addition to any music lover's collection. At first I was hesitant to buy the book, as I already have a different version of the complete operas with liner notes. I don't regret the purchase at all now. With 125+ pages of history, biographical information and complete librettos, the book is a sure bet.Included in this hardbound book are CDs of the complete operas of Cavalleria Rusticana and I Pagliacci. You can listen to the beautiful and emotional voices of Franco Corelli and Victoria De Los Angeles as you read about two of the most influential and powerful operas of all time.If you are new to opera, I highly recommend this package as it will give you the chance to acquaint yourself with opera and learn of the rich operatic history involved with these two classics. For opera lovers, you will appreciate this new approach to opera packaging--It takes liner notes to the next step and includes some of the best recordings I have heard ever of these operas. Enjoy!