Pagliacci is perhaps best translated by 'clowns'; but the latter word must not be taken in its restricted circus sense.

These strolling clowns are pantomimists, singers, comedians." At the first performance of "Pagliacci" in Milan the cast was as follows: Canio, Geraud; Tonio, Maurel; Silvio, Ancona; Peppe, Daddi; Nedda, Mme.Stehle.The first performance in America was by the Hinrichs Grand Opera Company, at the Grand Opera House, New York, on June 15, 1893; Selma Kronold was the Nedda, Montegriffo the Canio, and Campanari the Tonio.

The opera was incorporated in the Metropolitan repertory in the season of 1893-1894.
Rinuccini's "Dafne," which was written 300 years ago and more, begins with a prologue which was spoken in the character of the poet Ovid.
Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci" also begins with a prologue, but it is spoken by one of the people of the play; whether in his character as Tonio of the tragedy or Pagliaccio of the comedy there is no telling.

He speaks the sentiments of the one and wears the motley of the other.

Text and music, however, are ingeniously contrived to serve as an index to the purposes of the poet and the method and material of the composer.