Giacomo Puccini
1858 – 1924
Puccini knew how to break hearts. His operas are masterclasses in emotional manipulation — gorgeous melodies, tragic heroines, and climaxes that leave audiences weeping. Opera at its most immediately affecting.
Essential Listening
La Bohème - O soave fanciulla
Young love blossoms in a freezing garret. Two voices soar together in one of opera's most romantic duets.
Madama Butterfly - Un bel dì vedremo
Butterfly dreams of her lover's return. We know her hope is doomed — which makes this aria devastatingly poignant.
Turandot - Nessun dorma
The most famous tenor aria of all. 'None shall sleep' builds to a climax of triumphant hope — Puccini's last great moment.
Discover Puccini in These Journeys
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