"Turandot" is an opera by Giacomo Puccini, and its SC 91 refers to its catalog number in the Sartori catalog, which is a comprehensive catalog of Puccini's works. Here are some interesting facts about "Turandot":
Unfinished Masterpiece: Puccini passed away before completing "Turandot." The final act was finished by Franco Alfano based on Puccini's sketches.
Exotic Setting: The opera is set in China and is known for its exotic and oriental atmosphere. Puccini used distinctive pentatonic scales and orchestration to evoke a sense of the East.
Popular Aria: "Nessun Dorma" is one of the most famous arias from "Turandot" and is often performed as a standalone piece. It gained widespread recognition, especially after being used as the theme for the 1990 FIFA World Cup.
Inspiration from a Play: Puccini was inspired to write "Turandot" after seeing a play by Carlo Gozzi, which itself was based on a Persian collection of stories called "One Thousand and One Nights."
Premiere in Milan: The opera premiered at La Scala, Milan, in 1926, conducted by Arturo Toscanini. It has since become one of Puccini's most performed and enduring works.
Love and Tragedy: The storyline revolves around the icy Princess Turandot, who sets riddles for her suitors. Calaf, the unknown prince, solves the riddles but challenges Turandot to learn his name, leading to a powerful and tragic climax.
"Turandot" remains a captivating work in the world of opera, known for its lush orchestration, powerful arias, and the dramatic intensity characteristic of Puccini's style.