Cappuccino Experience

Giacomo Puccini

Alessio Boni as Giacomo Puccini (Rai 1)

This week, to celebrate 150 years since the birth of Giacomo Puccini, Rai Uno screened a two part drama about the life of the world famous composer. As I have recently been to Lucca, Puccini’s birthplace, and Nagasaki, the setting for Madama Butterfly, I thought maybe it was about time to find out more about the Maestro.

Giacomo Antonio Domenico Michele Secondo Maria Puccini was born in Lucca on 22 December 1858. He came from a family with a musical history dating back five generations. His father died when he was only five years old so it was his uncle, Fortunato Magi, who took on the responsibility for his musical upbringing. Then, in 1880, he began his study of composition at the Milan Conservatory under the guidance of Amilcare Ponchielli and Antonio Bazzini. It was during this period he entered a competition for a one-act opera. However, his entry Le Villi did not win.

Statue of Giacomo Puccini, Lucca, Tuscany

Although he also composed choral, orchestral and chamber music Puccini is best known for his operas. His most famous ones include La Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Turandot.

Puccini had a fairly colourful personal life which included almost being killed in a car accident and the accusation (false) by his wife, Elvira, of having an affair with their maid Doria Manfredi. Consequently the maid committed suicide by taking poison. However, recently discovered documents reveal Puccini, who was quite a womaniser, was having an affair with Doria’s cousin Giulia.

Puccini died in Brussels on 29 November 1924 whilst undergoing treatment for throat cancer – caused by his smoking of Toscano cigars. He is buried at the Villa Museo Puccini in Torre del Lago, his home from 1891 until 1921.

Statue of Madama Butterfly, Glover Gardens, Nagasaki, Japan

Statue of Giacomo Puccini, Glover Gardens, Nagasaki, Japan

Puccini’s Operas

• Le Villi (1884)
• Edgar (1889)
• Manon Lescaut (1893)
• La Bohème (1896)
• Tosca (1900)
• Madama Butterfly (1904)
• La Fanciulla del West (1910)
• La Rondine (1917)
• Il Trittico (1918)
• Il Tabarro
• Suor Angelica
• Gianni Schicchi
• Turandot (unfinished at time of death – completed 1926)