1858 - 1924



Italian operatic composer known for his fluent melodic writing and bold dramatic harmonies.

Puccini was born in Lucca into a family with a long history of music. He studied at the Milan Conservatory.

In 1884 his first of two opera's was staged. His third opera, "La Boheme" is considered as one of the most romantic operas ever composed.

Puccini achieved fame when 'La Boheme' was conducted by Arturo Toscanini in Turin, followed by 'Tosca' and 'Madame Butterfly'. The later was greeted with great hostility at its opening (mostly orchestrated by his rivals), but after some reworking it has become another of his most successful operas.

Today Puccini is regarded as one of the great operatic composers of the late 19th and early 20th century.

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