Big tales of envy, love, passison and murder

Internationally acclaimed Greek baritone Dimitri Platanias is taking the stage at the Greek National Opera with two roles that have already earned him rave reviews in London and elsewhere: Alfio in Pietro Mascagni's "Cavalleria rusticana" and Tonio in Ruggero Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci," enduring representatives of the Italian verismo movement.

"Singing these two roles, these two pieces in one night, is like singing one huge opera. This is why it is so important to pace your voice so that it is intact by the time you can reach the finale of 'Pagliacci,'" Platanias tells Kathimerini ahead of his appearance at the GNO's Stavros Niarchos Hall.

"The two operas are similar in terms of style and vocals, because the composers' period coincide. However, 'Pagliacci' is definitely more demanding for the baritone, mainly because of the prologue. It is an absolute gem but it is...