We have a collection of 12 arrangements for Giacomo Puccini - Turandot, SC 91: Tu che di gel sei cinta
What makes the bassoon arrangement of this Turandot aria particularly challenging? Learn!
Giacomo Puccini's opera "Turandot," cataloged as SC 91, is one of his most famous and enduring works. Here are some interesting facts about this opera:
Unfinished Work: Puccini was unable to complete "Turandot" before his death in 1924. The opera's final scene and the famous aria "Nessun Dorma" were left incomplete. It was later finished by Italian composer Franco Alfano based on Puccini's sketches.
Adaptation of a Play: The opera is based on Carlo Gozzi's play "Turandot," which itself was inspired by a collection of Persian fairy tales known as "One Thousand and One Nights." Puccini's version, however, departs significantly from the original play.
Exotic Setting: "Turandot" is set in ancient China, adding an exotic and mysterious atmosphere to the opera. The story revolves around Princess Turandot, who poses riddles to her suitors. Failure to answer results in death.
Chinese Influence: Puccini took great care to infuse the opera with Chinese elements, incorporating pentatonic scales and using instruments like the gong and tam-tam to evoke the sound of the East. He even consulted with Italian sinologist Ferdinando Martini to ensure cultural authenticity.
Premiere: "Turandot" had its world premiere at La Scala in Milan on April 25, 1926, almost two years after Puccini's death. Arturo Toscanini conducted the premiere, and Alfano's completion of the final act was used.
Popular Aria - "Nessun Dorma": While the opera as a whole is celebrated, the aria "Nessun Dorma" has become particularly famous. It is sung by Prince Calaf in the final act and expresses his confidence that he will win Turandot's heart. Luciano Pavarotti's rendition of this aria, in particular, has become iconic.
Puccini's Intentions: Before his death, Puccini expressed concerns about the difficulty of completing "Turandot" and left specific instructions on how he wanted it finished. Despite this, Alfano's completion has faced criticism for deviating from Puccini's vision.
Posthumous Success: Despite its challenges during production, "Turandot" has become one of Puccini's most performed and popular operas. Its grand scale, rich orchestration, and powerful arias contribute to its enduring appeal.
"Turandot" stands as a testament to Puccini's ability to create dramatic and emotionally resonant operas, even in the face of challenges and incomplete compositions.