The Pagliacci must be seen as a true rarity: not only did Callas never perform Nedda on stage, but it would seem to be too one-dimensional a character for her to do much with. But again, the variations in tone are miraculous: somewhat covered at the very start of the opera; introspective for the recit leading up to the free-feeling Balatella; at first just impatient and then truly vile in the duet with Tonio; and warm and loving with Silvio. Her Columbina is pert until Canio turns on her; her attempt to get the "play" back to normal is somewhat nervous, and then thoroughly defiant in her final moments. Di Stefano matches her and gives huge amounts of voice, rarely going to the excesses he was wont to, particularly in this free-for-all role. Tito Gobbi's Tonio is a sarcastic monster; he sings with an audible sneer. Throughout both operas, Tullio Serafin leads with perfect verismo thrust, but without having to underline the form's crudenesses. It's great to have this pair of operas available, albeit without texts and translations, at less than full price. [7/25/2005]