Three great tenors have sung this role and had it filmed, Franco Corelli, Giuseppe DiStefano, and Placido Domingo.
For my money DiStefano takes the cake. Although Domingo is a gifted physical and vocal actor, he has trouble with songs containing little motion, like Vesti La Giubba. DiStefano outclasses him here, although Domingo's ending scene is a bit better. However, all three are heavily enjoyable.
I'm curious to hear anyone else's take.
Thanks for the heads-up on the Corelli version; for my money he is an even better artist than Domingo.
Might I also put in a word for the 1930s version with the great Richard Tauber? Clunky as a film but fascinating to see him perform the role.
-d-
I'd like to cast my vote for DiStefano. His talent as an actor and his superb phrasing and diction were perfect for this role. No one could touch Corelli for vocal beauty and power and Domingo has proven himself to be an astounding artist, but for Canio, DiStefano was as good as it gets.
May he Rest in Peace.
BTW: I just recently saw Placido Domingo in Ephigenie at the Met. Incredible.
In the past few years I've seen him in Parsifal, Die Walkure, The First Emperor... as a conductor... he continually amazes.
Cavaleria/Pagliacci was broadcast on Gallery HD yesterday.
Very nice production from Teatro Real in Madrid.