Composer

:

Giacomo Puccini

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1904

Average_duration

:

125:19

Movement_count

:

40

Movement ....

Madame Butterfly is an opera composed by Giacomo Puccini, with a libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. The opera was first performed on February 17, 1904, at La Scala in Milan, Italy. The story is based on a short story by John Luther Long, which was later adapted into a play by David Belasco. The plot of Madame Butterfly revolves around a young Japanese geisha named Cio-Cio-San, also known as Butterfly, who falls in love with an American naval officer named Pinkerton. Pinkerton is stationed in Nagasaki, Japan, and he marries Butterfly in a traditional Japanese ceremony, but he plans to leave her and return to America. Butterfly, however, believes that Pinkerton loves her and will return to her. After Pinkerton leaves, Butterfly gives birth to their son and waits for Pinkerton's return. Three years later, Pinkerton returns to Japan with his American wife, Kate. Butterfly is devastated by Pinkerton's betrayal and decides to take her own life, leaving her son in the care of Pinkerton and Kate. The music of Madame Butterfly is characterized by Puccini's use of exotic melodies and harmonies, which reflect the Japanese setting of the opera. The opera is divided into three acts, with each act representing a different stage in Butterfly's life. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the love story between Butterfly and Pinkerton. The second act focuses on Butterfly's waiting for Pinkerton's return, and the third act depicts the tragic conclusion of the story. Madame Butterfly has become one of the most popular operas in the world, and it is known for its beautiful arias and duets, including "Un bel di vedremo" and "Humming Chorus." The opera has been adapted into numerous films, plays, and musicals, and it continues to be performed in opera houses around the world.

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