Giacomo Puccini 1854-1924

The composer of some of the world's best loved operas, Puccini's gifts were primarily theatrical. He had a great feeling for the stage and the sound of instrumental colors, combined with a well-developed melodic sense. Inspired by Verdi, he focused his attention on the Italian dramatic traditions.

He won fame and fortune for Manon Lescaut, La Boheme, Tosca and Madame Butterfly. Turandot also achieved great success and critical acclaim. La Fanciulla del West was written for the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and first presented there in 1910.