Pagliacci
![](/Images/godic/202501/29/Leonkavallo_Postcard-1910_cropped5957.jpg")
![Cover of the first piano reduction of Pagliacci published by E. Sonzogno, Milan, 1892](/Images/godic/202501/29/Pagliacci_Original_Score_Cover5958.jpg")
![French baritone Victor Maurel, creator of the role of Tonio](/Images/godic/202501/29/Victor_Maurel_By_Dupont5958.jpg")
![Enrico Caruso as Canio in Pagliacci, one of his signature roles](/Images/godic/202501/29/Enrico_Caruso_As_Canio5958.jpg")
Pagliacci (Italian pronunciation: [paʎˈʎattʃi], meaning "Clowns") is an Italian opera in a prologue and two acts, with music and libretto by Ruggero Leoncavallo. It is the only Leoncavallo opera that is still widely performed. It is often staged by opera companies as a double bill with Cavalleria rusticana by Mascagni, known as Cav and Pag.