Giacomo Puccini

Giacomo Puccini: 1858-1924

Why is this person important?

            Giacomo Puccini is important because he wrote some of the world’s most famous operas including de La Boheme, Tosca, Madame Butterfly, and Turandot, which was left incomplete. However, Puccini’s methods of operatic writing and meaning could possibly be more important than the operas themselves. Meaning, Puccini wanted the audience to understand the opera even if there were language barriers. He made stage directions clear and distinct. Furthermore, the themes of his operas were extremely humanistic. The leads of his operas lived and died for love, thus, people are able to identify with Puccini’s writing. He has left a legacy in the opera world.

Why did you choose this person? How does her/his life relate to you?

            I chose Giacomo Puccini because I grew up listening to opera. It was a primary genre that was heard throughout my house daily. I was even named after a female character in Madame Butterfly, one of Puccini’s operas. My family lives for opera.

If she/he had never existed, would the world be different from how we know it now? Why?

            Puccini’s work has influenced music for generations. For example, the Broadway musical RENT is based off of Puccini's La Boheme. Modern writers translated the opera to English and modernized the plot; now people can relate to the glory of Puccini’s work. Also, the Metropolitan Opera House frequently uses Puccini operas to show. Without Puccini, many opera stars would not have had their big break. 

If you could meet that person, what would you ask her/him?

            I could meet Puccini, I would have a few questions for him. First, I would ask how it feels to write a whole music score that depicts common drama. I also wonder how Puccini knew which aspects of human life to glorify through music versus other events. I would also ask if any of the operas he wrote are about his life in some fashion.

Do you think the fact this person was Italian played a role in his/her achievement?

            I think Giacomo Puccini’s nationality had a great deal of influence in his achievement. Many of the chord progressions and harmony he utilizes in his operas have Italian roots. This left a sense of Italian culture in his music. However, Puccini was able to accept influences from French, Russian, and American music writing. These influences left Puccini to be a renowned Italian operatic writer.  

Source: Encyclopedia Britannica Online