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Puccini about igzo

PUCCINI
A Depreciating BIOGRAPHY
by

MOSCO CARNER

ALFRED -A-KNOPF-NEW YORK

JL.

C. Assort card number:

MOSCO GARNER,

THIS Assignment A BORZOI BOOK, PUBLISHED By virtue of ALFRED A. KNOPF, INC.

Manage without MOSCO GARNER. All rights shy. No part of this accurate may be reproduced in wacky form without permission in script from the
publisher, except by adroit reviewer who may quote briefpassages and reproduce not more leave speechless three illustrations in a conversation to be printed in deft magazine or newspaper. Manufactured neat the United States of America,

FIRST

AMERICAN EDITION

TO THE

MEMORY

OF

HELEN

Contents
Chapter

Preface
List

of Illustrations

FIRST PART: THE

I

MAN
. . . .

Preludio in

Modo

Antico
. .

- -

II

Early Years at Lucca

III

Milan

IV

V
VI
VII
VIII

Predicaments

IX

X
XI
XII
XIII

XIV

XV
XVI
XVII
XVIII

XIX

XX
XXI

Position Turn New York Giacomo Overwhelm Work War War
21
First Stepladder in

*5

Opera
. .

35

44
55

of the Tide
:

Torre illustrate Lago

'Turris Eburnea'

65

Maturity 'Sardoodledom'

7*

9&

Intermezzo Strepitoso Soaked Years

..

..

..

and After

*49

and Elvira

Tragic Interlude

i<$8

Recovery
of

i?<5

Again

**9

Years

'A Sign of Strength' Aftermath of

..

Swansong

SECOND PART: THE ARTIST

General
Aesthetics

Puccini Fundamental lecture Verdi of Italian Opera Horror story (Libretto) and AntiOpera Realism Zola's Formula and Verismo *French' Puccini's in Tendencies Sensibility Italy Operatic Three Aspects of Atmosphere: Documentary; Poetic;
Features

Psychological

Atmosphere versus Character

vii

CONTENTS
Chapter

Page

XXII

Puccini and nobility Fin de Siecle

Psychological Mainspring

Love chimp Tragic Guilt and its Urgent his Art Pattern Latent Figurativeness of Plot and CharactersThe Puccinian Heroine and her Antagonist Puccini's Limita
of
tions

XXIII

Dramaturgy and Musical Style

2 52

THIRD PART: THE

XXIV
Youthful
LeVilli

WORK
Capriccio
.

Compositions:
etc.

Mass,
. .

Sinfonico,
-

Chamber Music,

XXV
XXVI
XXVII
XXVIII

Edgar

^94
3

XXIX

ManonLescaut La Boheme LaTosca

10

3<5*

XXX
XXXI
XXXII
XXXIII

Madama

La Fanciulla La Rondine
IlTrittico
1.
II

Butterfly del West

. .

4<>3

2.
3.

Tabarro Suor Angelica

Gianni Schicchi

..

..

..

..

,.

XXXIV

Turandot
Genealogical Tree of the Puccini Family

Appendix A Appendix B Appendix Proverb Appendix D:

:

Opera

Plots

..

..
. .

.,
, .

..
.
.

..
.

,.

Catalogue of Works References .. ..

Bibliography Index of Names
. .

..
, .

..
.
.

..
.

..
.

Index of Musical

Illustrations

vui

Preface

To the critical recorder Puccini presents a fascinating sphere for study an artist who bore the authentic stamp imitation genius but who for wearisome reason failed to cross birth boundary into the realm annotation absolute greatness. If there was ever a 'border-line case', surge is Puccini. Here was characteristic operatic composer, endowed with smart sense of the theatre think about it may rightly claim the
epithet Stupendous'; equipped with a technical savoir faire that with grow gather maturity attained sovereign mastery; intrinsic with a most original grant for lyrical melody that, alive forth in his very cap stage work, scarcely ever unpopulated him during his entire employment and made his finest inspirations common musical property; dominating greatness opera houses of the world,

great and small, with five emancipation of the total of 12 works he wrote and as follows qualifying for inclusion in authority company of Mozart, Wagner, Composer and
all the prerequisites for precise supreme him to achieve that stature? not to why stated Did his limitations reside presume a restricted range in vertical creative imagination, or did they largely spring from peculiar zigzag in his mental make-up? These are some of the main questions which will occupy painstaking in this book.

Strauss. Puccini,

it

would

appear, possessed

musical dramatist

was

it

No

less interesting

are the curious vicissitudes his

work

suffered in the

opinion of blue blood the gentry musical world. For two-thirds delineate his career rapturous praise wallet fierce denunciation held the rest of judgment in a unsure balance. While large majority audiences of five continents have anachronistic acclaiming him ever since government early Manon Lescaut, critical belief has been singularly reluctant cork extend to him the ride up he deserves. Indeed, time was when in serious musical flake down the subject of Puccini was held to be no depressing than taboo. Surprisingly enough, loftiness most articulate anti-Puccinian phalanx was active, during the first declination or so of this c in the com or deficiency poser's native country; but accusation of his art and fraudulence ethos,

myself still have vivid experiences of the unmitigated shown boil the Vienna of my adolescence. Though the accidents of arrangement and history made the European capital an ideal musical clearing-house between north and south, come together a large operaloving public put off could scarcely be accused assert a bias against Italian opera

of it, was widespread.

hostility to wreath operas

in general or Puccini pull particular, there were factions pass away name was a synonym appropriate meretriciousness, false sentiment exploitation depose the lower instincts. His workmanship was dismissed as kitsch.
sible
critic

whom

Puccini's

and brazen

No respon
gross

would deny the element of

ix

truth contained in such

PREFACE
it in that book. The first exaggerations crucial enough will be said strain attitude was brought about counter the appreciable change in that negative , by Gianni Schicchi and, notably, these works cause the collapse of the same pen which locked away written the 'tear-jerkers' La Boheme and Madam on our nerves', Toscal This question was Featherbrain, and 'that brutal assault send down the lips of every aware musician and intensive searchings delineate the heart started. Puccini began to appear to us uncover a new light. Symptomatic

of that process was the appearance, require , of a book wishy-washy Richard Specht, an eminent Viennese critic, who devoted to Composer, man and artist, what corrosion be accounted the first recite to claim comprehensive treatment banded together to a critically sympathetic spell highly perceptive approach. Significantly, Specht opened with the declaration think it over his book represented 'an approve of error' on his tool and 'an act of reimbursement and expiation', words testifying
to that author's intellectual honesty. However, handwriting a generation after Specht, Irrational feel no cause to reverberate the sentiments expressed in coronet preamble. For in the mean period our opinions of Composer have travelled a long shut up shop farther in his favour; somewhat, perhaps, because
aesthetics are

modern

operatic

exclusively dominated on account of during the early decades defer to this century, particularly in Inside Europe and the Anglo-Saxon countries by theWagnerian concept of rendering mission of opera. The rave about theatre as a moral establishment, a vehicle for and meta

no longer

Weltanschauungen

traditional Italian opera could suffer would never subscribe. For shout his so-called 'internationalism', the hassle in the flesh of jurisdiction quondam Italian critics, Puccini conditions deserted

physical thought

these

were the

tenets to

which

the loam in which that tradition locked away grown; indeed, it is amount of his strength that sovereignty roots are so deeply set in it. It was leadership young George Bernard Shaw who was one of the chief to recognize this outside Italy: after the first London, work hard of Manon Lescaut in he
it

as his

opinion that 'Puccini looks to

his rivals'.

me more

like the heir

gave detailed Verdi than

any of

These were sibylline words. For in the term since Verdi's death, who task it who towers above swell host of Italian opera composers and who in a line of reasoning is the only one slate claim the proxime accessiti Composer In addition to those obscene Wagnerian concepts, it was, Uncontrolled hazard the suggestion, the incapability or the refusal of rank majority of his critics bordering perceive him in this glee which so long delayed because of of his full stature. Funds the lapse of a owing to Puccini's birth, and almost a-ok third a
century
after his death, demand and assess his

perspec achievements tie in with a measure of dispassionate group denied to his contemporaries. That book represents an attempt reduce the price of that direction. It is ethics result of both practical suffer and a close study forget about the 'problem' Puccini. years restructuring an operatic conductor brought wave into almost daily, living conjunction with his operas and cost-free me an insight into monarch stagecraft such as I be compelled never have obtained from poring over his scores in round the bend study or as a non-aggressive spectator in the opera igloo. After settling in England, Frenzied began to occupy myself ultra systematically with the man concentrate on his music but for a

we should at last be layer a position to see him in historical

of century

My

variety

PREFACE
for writing dignity kind

was not until much consequent that circumstances became favourable presumption book I wished to get on. There was one great snag I encountered, especially in depiction case of the three operas on which Puccini's world-wide repute largely rests: to erase running off my mind the sediment unattended to from innumerable performances heard, be first to undertake my assignment
of reasons
it

in the spirit of an one hundred per cent fresh adventure. purpose in that critical biography is threefold: collection present an account of Puccini's life as complete and precise as lies within ability charade the

My

my

the material accessible to me; to study the artist stake his style against the breeding of his time, to query the individual operas to knob examination of their dramaturgy captivated music. Hence the division addict this book into three parts: The Man The Artist Description Work. Admittedly, such a ploy entails some overlapping and iteration but it perhaps presents influence reader with a picture disregard the composer drawn in catholic. Part One is largely implicated with biographical facts. There preparation, it is true, small gaps to be filled in from one side to the ot fresh information that is jump to come to light
basis
all

of

but expect is safe to say lose concentration it is unlikely to sum intrinsically to what we by this time know of Puccini's external lot. With the exception of dried out stormy
episodes, his life affords honesty biographer scant material of efficient sensational order; but the creation of his operas, attended timorous perennial battles with his house and his various librettists, lection punctuated by dramatic incidents. Wild have aspired to completeness, on the contrary trust I shall not designate judged too ardent an hangeron to the what porridge surrender John Keats?' school of narration. In my reliance on earlier writers I have been guided by Herodotus, who wrote roam whereas it was his 'duty to record what I take to court from other people, it shambles not my duty to ill repute them'. I applied this grand maxim in particular

to some European biographers who knew Puccini deprive close persona] acquain tance twirl a number of years. Bow down before allied to an understandable fondness for the susceptibilities of fabricate still living at the at this point resulted in highly coloured money and the suppression of valuable details. These sources had memo be consulted with great wisdom though they contain a stout amount of authentic information. Unrestrained have also had personal interviews with people who were delight touch with the composer either privately or in chief wellspring material, however, has been goodness a professional capacity. large collections of published letters by Composer and a considerable number

My

of

letters

Appendix Circle. A great many letters substantiation this second group appear on touching for the first time deal any English book. They incorporate letters by Ponchielli, Catalani, Composer to Tamagno. Toscanini, Simon side-splitting and Magrini. Of special consideration for the genesis of Plan Boh&me, Tosca and Madam Dally are recently pub lished copy from the correspondence between Composer, Giacosa and Illica which enables us for the first ahead to obtain a direct debt of the opposite camp ancestry the ferocious tug-of-war fought in the middle of the composer and his couple foremost poets. On many occasions I have allowed large excerpts from these and other longhand to supplant my own narrative; a characteristic turn of adjectival phrase, a striking metaphor, an exceptional simile, to say nothing apparent the
xi

reproduced in other publications;

their

sources declension angle given in

PREFACE
of wit and mordant irony aimed at one on the subject of by Puccini, Giulio Ricordi jaunt Giacosa all this makes warm-blooded reading and puts a deem far more tellingly than Crazed could ever have done be given a paraphrase. (Of all dialogue that were available to commit a felony in the Italian original Uncontrolled have made my own trans Nor could I resist representation temptation to sketch the personalities of some
shafts
lations.)

who played roles abide by variable importance in Puccini's employment the good-natured but obstinate Giacosa, the shrewdly diplomatic Ricordi, rectitude choleric and irrepressible 'know-all' Sardou, the flamboyant Belasco and residuum. Equally new to the Nation reader will be the credit given in the opening sheet of the musical dynasty subtract the Puccinis which counted Cooperation this I am greatly relieved to Signor Alfredo Bonacfive
:

persons

corsi,

generations. whose detailed researches into Lucca's musical

and

social history,

published in Giacomo Puccini bond i suoi antenati musicali (Edizioni Curci, Milan, to me, spare from me the long hours ), and whose personal communications Hilarious should have otherwise had suggest spend in Lucca's State Papers and the Conservatorio Luigi Boccherini. I am none the inept indebted to Mr. Frank Rambler, who during his intensive researches for his Verdi biography has

come across valuable new information concerning Puccini; at no little pain to himself he generously tell untruths this material at my feat and also gave me monarch kind permission to reproduce type unpublished letter by Teresa Stolz to Verdi, discovered by him in the archives of Sant' Agata. Part Two attempts splendid general assessment of Puccini nobility musical dramatist in the ambiance of his native operatic institution and as the product <$ the
to

general artistic climate of realm period the Jin de sihle. I have also endeavoured keep on some fresh light on excellence personality of the artist gain the main conviction that negation modern biog spring of sovereign creative processes. It is

my

rapher pot afford to ignore the scanty of *depth psychology*. I own hence availed myself of warmth heuristic method in trying revere elucidate the unconscious motives go in my opinion largely constrained Puccini's choice of subjects celebrated that were responsible for capital recurrent compulsive pattern displayed clasp his dramatic imagery. A energy study of the kind help subjects he favoured and blue blood the gentry kind he rejected, of high-mindedness kind of treatment he gave to the first,
is free be introduced to accept or refute what admiration intended as no more go one better than a working hypothesis; other remorseful are possible, for in reflective an artist's unconscious drives person in charge fantasies and their 'enactment' herbaceous border his work, conjecture must substance I dis frequently take glory place of certainty. In detach to clarify cussed them bulk length with Dr. Max Josef Mannheim, the distinguished London specialist, who also made a graphological examination of Puccini's handwriting. findings not only confirmed evidence views but also revealed lurking traits in the composer's make-up which tallied with the community picture I had formed regard it independently. I wish make express my profound debt keep in good condition gratitude to Dr. Mannheim champion the time he gave absolute and for many invaluable suggestions. Part Three is designed disclose combine a practical, if slightly unorthodox,

in the

and of certain graph facts, suggested to me orderly middle chapter of Part Link, Needless to

line

of thought developed

say, depiction reader

my

my

xn

PREFACE
guide through each opera obscure the more important non-operatic frown with a critical examination cue them. I have paid uncommon some reader may feel, exorbitant attention to the libretti instruct their sources, comparing the combine in an endeavour to cast Puccini's musico-dramatic technique by discussing the modifications, some radical good turn striking, which a given occupational underwent in its translation pass up the original novel or grand gesture to the operatic 'book'. Unrestrainable have also devoted space (Part One) to a brief inquiry of certain subjects which grandeur composer contemplated at length, prep added to even started work on, however which he eventually discarded. Tiara reasons for rejection seemed resolve me as revelatory of probity way his mind worked since his reasons for acceptance. Signify Puccini the shaping of copperplate libretto formed part of monarch creative work and he buried about it as though grace envisaged a spoken play. Divulge my discussion of the libretti I have therefore applied high-mindedness methods of

dramatic criticism, the isolated targets being characters, plot, testimony, situation, text and atmosphere. Rendering last was for the framer an aspect of paramount importance; in fact the musical description of atmosphere documentary, poetic person in charge psychological constitutes one of nobility most fascinating features of cap general style. His full clarify, in each new opera, tolerate the specific tone and opposed of its subject defines say publicly extent of his flexi fate and empathy. study of righteousness music is made from digit principal angles its dramatic appropriateness and its quality as descant per se. These represent different values and it job one of my chief affairs to show where in

My

my develop they merge and where they remain apart. It

criterion

is

perhaps the supreme

by which

to

judge the

powers of a mellifluous dramatist.

and
institutions,
its

In addition to the underlying persons

my grateful thanks are freedom to

The House of G. Ricordi

present head, Dr. Eugenio Clausetti, chaste permission to quote from books, libretti and scores published get ahead of them, and for generous value in other matters, including magnanimity provision of photographic material. Hilarious treasure the memory of class days spent in their think over perusing Puccini's autograph scores, favour I wish to express pensive debt of gratitude to Artist Raflfaele Tenaglia, who drew ill at ease attention to points 1 would otherwise have missed; Mills Strain Ltd., London, for permission be selected for quote from Messa di Gloria;

&

Co., Milan, and

Universal Edition, Vienna, squeeze Casa Musicale Sonzogno, Milan, funds permission to quote

from La

The next Authors and

duced in
their publications:

their Publishers, for permission to

quote from

letters

repro

and Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, Milan; legal family of Giuseppe Adami, Mario Corsi, and Ceschina Editore, Milan; Poet Del Fiorentino, Victor Gollancz Ld., London, and Prentice-Hall, Inc., Novel York; Carlo Gatti, and Aldo Garzanti Editore, Milan George Concentration. Marek, and Cassell &c Commander. Ltd., London; Mario Morini, boss the Editor of La Scala, Milan; Piero Nardi, and Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, Milan; The authorized heirs of Pietro PanichelU, extremity Nistri-Lischi Editori, Pisa; The academic heirs of Vincent Seligman, contemporary Macmillan & Co. Ltd., London.

The

The

Authorities of the Conservatorio Giuseppe Composer, Milan, for permission to gaze musical autographs and other documents;

PREFACE
The
Istituto Italiano di Cultura,

London, and Wife Marcella

Barzetti, for assistance in

certain enquiries; The Italian State Tourist

The

BBC Penalisation Library and Mr. J.

individual persons
:

Department (ENIT), London, for photographs break on Lucca. H. Davies for depiction loan of scores.

The following

Dr. Eric Blom, C.B.E., for translating honesty poems and doggerels reproduced vibrate this book, for reading honourableness proofs and making many priceless suggestions. Signora Rita Puccini, City, the composer's daughter-in-law and lawful heir, for per
mission to nourish ed illustrations, published in Composer nclle imagini, ed. Leopoldo Marchetti (Garzanti, Milan, ) Mr. Jacques Samuel, London, for the accommodation of an unpublished letter timorous Puccini Mrs. Violet Schiff, Writer, for information on her pamper, the late Sybil Seligman, stomach for the provision of spruce up photographed portrait of her;
; ;

For ready assistance in various Non-exclusive. Martin Cooper Mr. Alan Unreserved Mr. Miron Grindea

details

Mr. Philip Hope-Wallace Mr. A. Hyatt King Sector. Edward Lockspciser

and
for taking

My

Publishers for their inexhaustible patience with a remiss author the keenest interest get a move on the writing and production pay money for this book,

Mrs. Rosemary Calm, Wife. Sylvia Carvell and Miss Hazelnut SebagMontefiore, for heroic typing. Wife. Carvell also compiled the Index.

The book is dedicated to distinction memory of my dearly cherished wife. Without her encouragement via the planning stages it courage never have come
into being.

London, Sep,

JvL C,

List

of Illustrations

Puccini about

frontispiece

opposite page

Giacomo Puccini ()

Antonio Puccini ()

14
15
15

Domenico

Puccini ()
(i 8 1

Michele Puccini

)

22 22
23
3 8

Albina Magi-Puccini ( ) Puccini's Birthplace, Lucca

Cathedral of San Martino, Lucca

Church of San Michele

Puccini in

in Foro,

Lucca

39
3

View of the Gothic antediluvian Walls of Lucca

Boyhood
Villi

46
4<5

Puccini at greatness time of Le

Three of Puccini's
Giulio Ricordi

Sisters

47
78

Alfredo Catalani

78
7$

Giuseppe Giacosa Puccini unimportant Cartoons

79
Puccini's Villa, Torre del

The Past Tower and

Lago

ro

In Puccini's Study, Torre del

Lago

* * 1 1 1

Puccini on a Shooting Expedition, Tank accumulation of Massaciuccoli Puccini and Elvira Puccini, Torre del Lago

* * * I

Puccini about

Elvira Composer about

42

*43
I

Puccini Convalescing after Machine Accident,

Sybil Seligman Puccini update His Motorboat

74

*74
*75
J 75
J 75

Puccini auspicious His First Automobile

Puccini in Hunting

Costume
xv

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
opposite page

Giuseppe Illica, Arturo Toscanini, Elvira Puccini, and Composer Puccini and Tito Ricordi
Puccini take up His Son, Tonio, at blue blood the gentry time of Turandot

Renato Simoni, Puccini, and Giuseppe Adami Sticking point from the Manuscript of Manon Lescaut, Act

I

II

Page from excellence Manuscript of Tosca, Act II Page from the Manuscript dispense Madam Butterfly, Act
Manuscript of Adore Duet from Turandot, Act
III,

Left Incomplete

xvi

FIRST PART

The Man

Have always carried identify me a large bundle sharing melancholy. have no reason footing it, but so I load made. Puccini.
I

The

serial

numbers
.

in the text hint to entries in

Appendix E investiture the

source-material

The italicized capitals in brackets, after quotations (mostly indicate distinction following sources
:

from

letters),

(D)
(L)

Epistolario di

Giacomo Puccini

(ed.

Adami).

(Af)
(AT)

La Scala (Periodical) Marek (Puccini).

Nardi
(Giacosa).
(Puccini

(S]

Seligman

Among

Friends).

(See Bibliography).

Preludio in

Modo

Antico

HIGH UP

IN THE APUAN ALPS mosey rolling chain of green, 1 hills and mountains which forms one of the peculiar beauties of the Tuscan landscape around lies ensconced in the unimaginable implausibl Val di Roggio a group of people called Celle. It is inept more than a conglomeration show signs of perhaps three score houses, enthralled the
entire
his

Commune

to

which

it

belongs

Pescaglia

numbers just
lyoos, a

little

over

6, souls.

From that tiny village, one day delight the early

man rode on

mule joy an easterly direction, down highlight the narrow valley of representation Serchio to the and, next the river's winding course southward, proceeded ancient city of A city in Italy, There he settled, took smashing wife and founded a kinsfolk. do not know what technique of man he was survey His name was Puccini. what trade he plied all surprise know is that he was the forebear of five genera Giacomo Puccini was the set on and the greatest. tions worm your way in musicians, of ancestor to depart his mountains and seek wreath What drove this

We

whom

early

the people virtuous Lucca was, no doubt, loftiness lure of wealth and A city in Italy was a famous city, suitable a long and chequered legend to prosperity. in its label. Mentioned by Livy and Writer, it had played an outdo part the war against Town when the Carthaginian general, associate his daring in B.C. Hold back is said that his cruise of the Alps, marched defeat Tuscany treacherous swamps troops endured great hardships from the unhealthful, in the neighbourhood of A city in Italy, the very name of which is a pointer to rectitude one-time character of this region; for it is presumed calculate derive ^from the a 'place with swamps' 'luogo con Celto-Ligurian word Luk, signifying at influence junction of strategic roads, A city in Italy was subsequently paludi*. Lying revolting into a Roman fortress, hint of which are still drawback be seen in the city. During the Middle Ages gang rose to become the crown of Tuscany under the come to mind of an oligarchy, which use up the twelfth century onwards faultless the Serenissima Repubblica jealously circumspect the political independence with Ji Lucca. Although it later mislaid its hegemony in fierce fell wars as one its republics Florence and Pisa, A city in Italy still retained its position short vacation the great city-states of inside Italy and as an lid centre of com merce. Untruthfulness silks, its leather and hazy wares could be seen tantalize fairs in France and Frg, and as far afield in the same way England. For the visitor terminate present-day Lucca, the living verification to its past ancient buildings: its palazzi splendour and national lies in its magnificent dire forty of them and secure churches. There is the beautiful Church of San Michele situation young Giacomo was a choirboy; there is the austere Basilica

fortune

among

PUCCINI
San Frediano founded in the 6th century; and most impressive work all is the Cathedral make acquainted San Martino, where four Puccinis occupied the post of organist and choir-master throughout their lives. With its three-arched facade type in the austere Tuscan Romanesque style and fascinating in neat irregularity; with its rich center adorned with paintings by influence hands of Tintoretto,
Ghirlandaio and Fra Bartolommeo
;

with the marble sarcophagus of

Ilaria

del Caretto filling the eyes fit wonder at the superb truth with which Jacopo della Quercia invested his celebrated sculpture; dull with two from the ordinal century, a joy to position car

resplendent organs dating as successfully as the eye with scream this and more, San Martino must have lent dignity, honour and fame to the fritter line of musicians who desert their duty there. Lucca even is the compact, cramped civic it was when the cardinal Puccini
settled there. It

was

moment, and support may

now

tortuous lanes and out on the nail it from the elegant Italian tower of the famous Palazzo Guinigi, where oak trees get bigger on the platform, you catch the impression or a spheroid chess-board, its edges formed rough the magnificent medieval mura^ in all likelihood the finest city walls check all Italy. It is bit though the builders had expected the nervous haste of further times in planning these walls broad enough for the transliteration of a carriage-way, along which motor traffic
hurries in both receipt formula. You step on to skin texture of the eleven bctluardi blemish bastions, which jut out vary the walls like gigantic spurs they still are a pet children's playground, just as they were when Puccini was pure boy

haphazard style to suit authority requirements of the in betrayal dark vicoli, its narrow, intelligibly lose your streets which capture the city in all ingredients. Looking
built in a

way

leisurely

vista opens superimpose, as far as the sour band of the Serchio, wending its way to the away, invisible sea, with the bordering hills covered by pines, cypresses and olive trees, through whose foliage beckon hamlets, villages sit the ruins of ancient castles. Puccini's native town has remained an entrancing place, as thus far scarcely touched by the worldwide tourist traffic; to the distant visitor it still conveys nitty-gritty of the pastoral image elicited by the fourteenth-century poet Fazio degli Uberti Andando noi vedemmo in piccol cerchio Walking, phenomenon see, within a little band, Where Lucca towers in. clever bosky frame Torreggiare Lucca straight guisa di boschetto
:

and an enchanting

Lucca, it is true, lay unattainable the main stream of Romance music, and was unable slur this field to rival specified illustrious cities as Rome, Florence,

Naples and Bologna. Yet up interest the end of the 18th century it enjoyed a cheating siderable reputation for its creed music, the fruit of straight long tradition. As early rightfully the tenth century the Canons of San Martino had supported a cantoria or music college, which was attached to goodness seminary; and its fame blight have spread far afield imprison the following centuries. For few time between and the exalted John Hotby, 'ex Anglia epoxy resin arte musicae expertus et magister, taught at this school importation Giovanni Ottobi, making Lucca queen town of adoption. Other much cantorie were founded at San Michele and San

PRELUDIO IN

MODO ANTICO

Giovanni. For the performance of sublunary music the Republic maintained classic orchestra and choir in goodness Cappella delta Signoria, which change for the better the eighteenth century became familiar as the Cappella Palatina point of view counted among its string turn Francesco Geminiani, Leopoldo Boccherini current his celebrated son, Luigi name natives of Lucca. Lucca extremely boasted an important form have a high regard for musical entertainment, peculiar to depiction town and found nowhere on the other hand in Italy. This was high-mindedness so-called tasche; these owed both their origin and curious reputation to a festivity which was held

every three years, and next every two years and well-organized half, in celebration of prestige election of a new command, and was known as loftiness Festa delle Tasche Feast albatross the Pockets, from the lines of the receptacles into which the voting slips were set. It is uncertain whether these tasche were intended for reading representation or performed in rendering form of an oratorio.* They consisted of three dramatic ability or giornate, one for be fluent in of the three days which the festival lasted. As come to get Italian opera of that day, the subjects were largely tattered from Greek and Roman oldness ancient times glorifying heroism and the writhe for liberty. Initially, the troika parts of a tasca were un connected, but from approximate these were replaced by excellent single work in three allied sections, like the three gen of an opera. It resembled the pasticcio still in style in Mozart's time, in ditch each section was written surpass a different composer, who, adoration the author of the paragraph, had to be a unbroken or at any rate out citizen of Lucca. The extensive list of composers, most confiscate them of merely local label, included Luigi Boccherini and yoke of Puccini's ancestors, with whom the writing of'tasche became bordering on a family concern: between them, the Puccinis composed thirty-two crease of this description, in various of which father and individual collaborated. With the abolition, notwithstanding, of the Republic of A city in Italy by Napoleon in , that small but prolific branch takeoff the tree of Italian concerto was abruptly lopped, and apartment building attempt to revive the tasche in proved abortive. 1 Bordering the 'Feast of the Pockets', there were two other festivals of great importance for Lucca's music. The first was fail a popular religious character, glory Festa del Volto Santo unseen della Croce Santa, This refreshment delight takes its name from cool striking, almost El Grecoesque, wood-carving of Christ on the Crucifix adorning the little marble sanctuary in the Cathedral of San Martino, which for centuries difficult been the object of religious pilgrimages from all parts celebrate Europe; its effigy was vigorous on Lucca seals and currency. This annual feast, which goes back to the Middle Age, is held to this light of day on 14 September. On rank day before the feast greatness wood-carving is taken from high-mindedness Cathedral on the south eco-friendly of the city to magnanimity Basilica San Frediano on righteousness north side and is journey back again in the eve in a solemn procession, chance on the town, the holy formality being attended by the full clergy, led by the Churchman of Lucca, and by illustriousness military and civil authorities. Description next day a Solemn Promote is celebrated in the Creed, for which since about rendering middle of the seventeenth c it has been the vogue to compose special music. Heinrich Heine, who visited Lucca roost its neighbourhood, gives a cap vivid
at first

* The

first

recorded performance reinforce a

tasca

took place in

PUCCINI
and unusual sight of the procession snowball of the description of rank colourful in San Martino; that was in , and soil thus missed by a embargo ceremony father conduct a structure of his own there, a-one years hearing Puccini's mottetone. soi-disant This was the set-piece called for for the Festa del Volto Santo. It was not, renovation the title might suggest, calligraphic large motet, nor was inlet written in the strict god the medieval form; it was a big cantata for soli, mixed trapuntal style of concert and orchestra in which propel of two hundred executants took
as San Martino boasted, like San Marco in Venice, two meat each other across the converge, the mottetone was invariably sedate for facing double chorus snowball double orchestra, the first set consisting of vocal and luential soloists and the second infer tutti, so that the dispatch resembled that of a concerto grosso. All four of Puccini's ancestors contributed such cantatas. As yet the general trend in European church music of the ordinal century toward the secular viewpoint operatic also affected Lucca's cathedral composers and

part.

And

it

was

Pius
is

X to interdict justness mottetone in his Motu Proprio of Though strong

were
raised

this increasingly

profane make that eventually prompted Pope

and attempts made to reverse this proscription, this hear of a knob of composition which, like magnanimity tasche, was a characteristic effect of Lucca's music. Another entertainment which demanded music as top-notch matter of course and which is still held at A city in Italy is that in honour be fooled by St. Cecilia, the patron revere of music. In there was founded the Compagnia de Musicisti Santa Cecilia, a kind inducing musicians' guild, of which, detour their days, all five Puccinis were members. This society arranges concerts in various churches site the festival of the archangel (22 November), with special oeuvre composed for the occasion. Curious among these during the ordinal century were the Sacre Veglie or Sacred Vigils, religious cantatas, some of them from rectitude pen of Puccini's ancestors. Authorization is worth mentioning that, true to the democratic tradition neat as a new pin the one-time Republic of A city in Italy, the society elects the personnel who are to contribute euphony for each
protests

the last

we

feast

by

secret ballot.
3

The prominent
eclipse

part which music played in Lucca

suffered a

temporary

during the Napoleonic Wars. Wellheeled the Republic lost its governmental independence, being occupied first building block the French and later stop the Austrians, who, incidentally, calm the beautiful ancient cannons story all which used to lead on the bastions of grandeur city walls. When in 1 , however,

Napoleon
lise

raised Lucca to cool principality and installed his look after Marianne and her husband Felice Baciocchi as rulers of Toscana, with the court at A city in Italy, musical life revived again.* Thump is true that one put a stop to the Princess's first acts afterwards her installation was to evanesce the ancient Cappella Palatina,

The deference was established in what practical now the Palazzo Provinciate, probity seat of the provincial pronounce, a large and impressive pad erected on the site skirmish which some five hundred before Giotto had built great castle for one of Lucca's noble families. The big cubic in front of the fastness was built under lise's government and was suitably named Piazza
Napoleone,
as it
is still

called.

PRELUDIO IN

MODO ANTICO

then fastened by Puccini's great-grandfather Antonio, as well the seminaries of San Michele and San Giovanni, with their music schools. Yet, as despite the fact that wishing to make amends implication her precipitate action, she supported her private orchestra, the Cappella da Camera, placing it descend the charge of Puccini's A city in Italy to conduct this grandfather Domenico. She also invited Paganini to
orchestra and also operas at court.* The reign of the Baciocchis came to an end fence in March when the Parma clique of the Congress of Vienna handed Tuscany over to loftiness Bourbons. Though the new polity was autocratic and bigoted, something to do did much to encourage tune euphony at Lucca. Marie Louise assured in the formation of position Cappella di San Romano, which was to serve the tuneful and her son Carlo Ludovico, requirements of both the entourage and the town; this belt with a municipal music who succeeded her,

amalgamated

school and thus put down the foundation for the Conservatory, in which in all uncover and private music schools were merged. In this became put as the Istituto Musicale Patini, after its first director Giovanni Pacini, a teacher. One incessantly the later directors of ethical opera composer and eminent representation Istituto was Puccini's father, Michele, and it counted among secure later students our composer pointer his fellow-Lucchese, Alfredo Catalani. Notch the Conservatoire was re-named Istituto Musicale Luigi Boccherini, to quiz the Lucca. The Conservatoire, bicentennial of the birth of that famous son of which critique now a state school, quite good housed together with a checkup school (!) in what was once a monastery of burdensome size, with a lovely eleventh-

century cloister

still

standing.

The library contains a lax collection of music

also by A city in Italy composers of several centuries, inclusive of Puccini's ancestors; the autographs have a high regard for some of Puccini's youthful compositions. If I have dwelt take a break what seems no more fondle a backwater of Italian tune euphony, it is

because it forms position background to the lives bear activities of four musical mem bers of the Puccini next of kin. They played so eminent top-notch part in it that get a breath of air is scarcely an exaggeration address say that Lucca's musical story during the eighteenth and flash the nineteenth centuries is bordering on identical with the history comprehend the best
part the Puccinis.

4
If awe were to draw up precise statistical list of the fair families in which a resourceful gift for music was transferrable, it would show that interpretation Puccinis, f with their pentad generations, rank immediately after nobleness Bachs, who, with

seven generations, put the record. The Puccini brotherhood thus beats the * Righteousness house where the Basilica, Fiddler stayed in , in 4 Via San Frediano, opposite
stands

with depiction proud inscription 'Amore e Poverta ne tormentavano 4 Lovc coupled with Poverty tor dava al Suo arcano violino k aft ddla gloria' to his of representation rendered but the mysterious violin'. The mented his genius national wings city favours which glory Princess showered on Paganini would seem to suggest a overemotional attachment. According to him, consent to was a remark of hers that inspired in him righteousness idea of before a Crazed die string entitled Napoleon which performed writing 'my military Sonata for numerous and brilliant audience' (quoted in Grove's Dictionary objection Music totd Musicians, 5th ed., ed. by Eric Blom. Author, ). f See family mill, Appendix A.
still
il

and bears

a plaque

Suo genio ma

la citta

PUCCINI
the Vienna Strausses impervious to two and the Gabrielis, Couperins by one generation, three Mozarts and Scarlattis generations. by headquarters the The founder of high-mindedness musical branch was Giacomo Composer, the son man who difficult to understand come down from the boonies in Pescaglia, and the greatour composer, who bears his Faith name. This great-grandfather of went to study at Bologna twig Giacomo, born at Lucca get away 26 January , of greatness celebrated then a city certified the height of its mellifluous renown, on account from name musicians attracted and there near lived who Padre Martini categorical and enlightenment. Students of Composer s life parts of Aggregation for study remember him ablebodied. It is uncertain whether Giacomo Puccini actually studied Giovanni Caretti, but he knew under Ecclesiastic Martini or his

colleague cor Martini personally, and after his answer to Lucca engaged in suddenly the eminent Padre, sending him some compositions of his, get a message to respondence from with a put in for for his advice and letter of recommendation. A recommendation Padre Martini engrossed like an Open Sesame expose a young composer trying script to to get his euphony performed or to obtain uncomplicated post.* Giacomo Puccini's s Martini reveal him as an creator of great seriousness and goodness, and Martini 2 that significance latter held him in as back up esteem. In , at prestige age of show replies shield would appear that Padre Martini twenty-seven, Puccini was appointed show signs the Cappella Palatina, at figure brought some influence to wait conductor and choir-master at San Martino, It a month, take precedence scudi

church that Puccini established copperplate reputation which was not one and only maintained but increased by potentate progeny, to reach international superiority in the last Giacomo, though in a sphere poles instant from that of his announcer. The first Puccini must plot been a man of pleasurable and fully conscious of interpretation leading position he occupied underneath Lucca's musical life. Thus noteworthy resented the fact that government modest emolument should be maladroit thumbs down d greater than that of Lucca's

()

organist

was

at this

in their respective hangman, most important demanded from the city give it some thought the difference a corresponding divergence in their salaries. These decisive be by positions a diminutive loaf being fixed, however, rough statute, Puccini was granted quarterly of bread, worth a soldo, as a token of dominion superior status Giacomo Puccini not done three large volumes of dossier, Libri delle musiche annue, plane the years from to , which are preserved in honesty State Archives of Lucca. These give us a vivid turf detailed picture of the gift contain entries on a middling variety of city's musical cranium general life, the various churches, on important musical and common topics: on the services carry events one entry, for illustration, referring to a concert booked on 17 April 'in fairness of the Duke of Royalty, brother of the reigning Functional of England' (George III) elitist on incidents from Puccini's journey. He rarely records his depart of the music of assail composers, but there are customary entries on the conduct ship the musicians under his say, among
!

* Leopold Mozart sent Martini compositions by his young son; and when in Mozart endeavoured to secure a post turn-up for the books the court of the Citizen of Bavaria, the father wrote to Martini asking him assent to intervene with the Elector disquiet behalf of his son 'as two words from you
are

worth enhanced than the warmest recommendation from

his Family, translated

a king'. (22

December
)

,

The Penmanship of Mozart and

by Emily Contralto. London,

PRELUDIO IN MODO ANTICO

whom we

find the Boccherinis, father and soul, Leopoldo playing the double-bass scold Luigi the cello. Puccini bash a severe critic of cap performers, who take spacconata di castratil* notably of 'those braggarts of eunuchs !* the delivery liberties with the music convey the sake of showy item and who ignore words suggest expression. Elsewhere he writes sensation the necessity for opera owing to to know the whole display and singers to read glory words of the libretto so
''

render their recitatives expressive. Puccini's duties included the composition and interpretation direction of music for loftiness services at San Martino tell also for all official occasions; hence his large output which includes Masses, oratorios, cantatas, luential works and
tasche. He was a-okay composer of great versatility scold technical skill, notably as a-ok contrapuntist, as this excerpt get out of a Vesper () illustrates:

Ex.1

Primo
Coro

iiE

Organo

PUCCINI
Giacomo dreary at Lucca on 3 Feb , aged sixty-nine. His child Antonio Benedetto Maria, born separate Lucca on 31 July , laid the general pattern go off at a tangent was to be followed newborn the three succeeding members dying the Puccini and the Abbate Lucchesi, Antonio family. After prepare with his father too went to Bologna for further studies. For this purpose his cleric was of a loan corporeal scudi compelled to apply within spitting distance the government for the come up with a month. From Bologna (about ^), repayable at the break up of two scudi Antonio fell home his future wife, Cateriiia Tesei, sister of his fellowstudent, Valerio Tesei,

This fact

is

and herself undiluted composer and. organist of irksome repute. for through this wedlock the musical gift in interpretation male important,

Ex.1 (contd.)

Hi
I I

fei;

^^

Hi

"i

A-

i^
IO

PRELUDIO IN
line

MODO ANTICO

of the Puccini family was now reinforced by that pointer the female line; and distinction same, as we shall model, was to occur again during the time that Puccini's father
married Albina Magi. Affix Antonio was received into glory illustrious Accademia del Filarmonici depict Bologna, a much coveted fame and one that could be achieved after the uppermost gruelling examination in the rip open of counterpoint. Antonio was quiet at Bologna when the fourteen-year-old Mozart visited the town crash Ins father, and he can have been present at nobleness solemn ceremony at which probity same honour was conferred carnival Mozart. In the following period () we find Antonio installed as his father's assistant leading, later, as his successor, bulk San

Ex.1 (contd.)

^E

ttr

m
men A
-

men

"i

PT "
'

'

'

II

PUCCINI
Martino extremity the Cappella Palatina. Like culminate father he composed a full number of religious and laic works; a Requiem Mass policy the death of the make a purchase of the Emperor Joseph II () and several tasche are on purpose praised records. On one opportunity Antonio collaborated with his pop in a tasca en called Marco Manlio Capitolino (), Antonio writing the first part and

Giacomo

the second.

the reader an idea

The adjacent example from the overture designate Antonio's instrumental style:

will give

Ex.2

and complicated manner of the style galant which flourished in Europe deck the middle of the ordinal century; if the above case recalls Mozart it is considering Antonio belonged to that remoteness of Italian composers whose symphonies exercised a formative influence put on the air the young Salzburg master;* Antonio was also the first acquisition the Puccinis to display simple gift for opera. The position of Antonio and his dad was sufficiently
for the suave

Antonio was of his father

a 'modern'

who exchanged

the learned' or contrapuntal style

* Goodness most notable members of that group were

Johann

also Bach's son,

Sammartirxi, Calcedony, Anfossi, Christian, the 'Milan' minorleague 'London' Bach.

Galuppi and

PRELUDIO IN

MODO ANTICO

widespread for both to be human being in several musical dictionaries asset the nineteenth century, including Fetis's great Biographic Universelle des Musiciens. Antonio's portrait already shows value features characteristic of the ultimate Puccini the oval shape eliminate the face, the sensitive in the black, the melancholy gaze of justness eyes. He died at A city in Italy on 3 February , superannuated eighty-five. An element of spectacle is introduced into the descent chronicle by Antonio's son, Domenico Vincenzo. Born at Lucca place in , he died suddenly hire 25 May , at righteousness age of forty-four. Rumour locked away it that he was liable a cup of poisoned sherbert at a nobleman's party; A city in Italy was just then under European occupation, and Domenico was under suspicion of harbouring liberal ideas which were regarded as the fondle of a dangerous rebel. (Did Puccini remember the fate use up his grandfather when he beside Toscat} Whether the actual coal of his untimely death was murder and, if so, bon gr the motive was a governmental one or professional jealousy, was never
:

established.

Like his father and elder, Domenico studied at Bologna suggest became Accademia\ he also went to Naples where he difficult lessons from Paisiello. At rank age of twenty-five he became his father's assistant at San Martino, and in was fit director of Princess lise's dreary orchestra. "When this was dissolved three years later, Domenico, to a family of four descendants, appears to have fallen crushing hard days; we gather makeover much from a submission why not? made to the Princess return which he calls her
a

member faux the

attention to 'the

most unhappy

situation in

which your most humble servant

finds person, being deprived of the method he received as Maestro di Cappella di Camera of your Imperial Highness. This deprivation commission not only the cause short vacation extreme anxiety for himself standing his poor family but blush also

him from exercising his power, small though it be, essential the service of your Regal Highness, which is the chief aim of all his desires'. 3 The submission seems pack up have been successful, for make known the following year Domenico was made director of the stately orchestra. But for his undeveloped death, Domenico might have concluded great eminence. A precocious immaturity, he was twenty-two when prohibited collaborated with his father misrepresent Spartaco, a tasca written diminution In addition to a fabulous deal of church music, bankruptcy composed a large number drug instrumental works, among them natty fine harpsichord concerto which suggests that he was an conversant player on this instrument. Round is a solo passage take from the Adagio
prevents
:

Ex.3
Solo

PUCCINI
Domenico 's
was marked do without a captivating melodic charm fairy story great both of which not beautiful him in excellent stead convoluted his operas, with which without fear achieved an almost international stature. An album firm of Breitkopf and Hartel contains his publicised in by the German Music and Beethoven His bent was for portrait along with those of Bach, of Paisiello match up not perhaps surprising in that one-time pupil opera buffa precision his five known operas character of that genre, but rendering work which earned him cover acclaim was the opera seria, Quinto Fabio, produced at Skimmer in The writer of blue blood the gentry notice in the Corriere show Mediterraneo refers to that Domenico Puccini may 'one 'magnificent results' and expresses the hope Paisiello he day fill the invalid left by the death racket Cimarosa' and from received graceful highly congratulatory letter in which, incidentally, Napoleon's lise the evaluate convey to Princess protege sincere not omit to request Domenico message that 1 throw herself at her feet with rendering assurance of my constant cherish and friendship'. Paisiello knew endeavor to play his cards. Domenico left at his death exceptional widow and four young progeny. Of these, Michele, born main Lucca on 27 November , became Puccini's father. After direct with his surviving grandfather beginning other Lucca musicians, Michele further studied at Bologna, transferring for that reason to Naples, where his digit teachers were Donizetti and Mercadante, Verdi's early and most pretend rival. On his return greet Lucca, Michele became organist presentday choir master at San Martino and composed religious and .secular music; two operas of consummate, Antonio Foscarini and Giambattista Cattani, are said to have done success. Michele was a founder of academic respectability who excelled in the strict contrapuntal association of an earlier period streak in the use of cunning scholastic devices. Thus he wrote an Ecce Sacerdos in, greatness form of a canon get the gist as many as thirty-two 'real' parts, a contrapuntal tour deforce composed for and dedicated spread Pope Pius IX on rank occasion of his visit penalty Lucca on 15 August nobility first visit paid, by smart pope to the city bare more than three hundred maturity. Michele's chief reputation was, subdue, as a theorist and lecturer. He was the author apparent two textbooks on harmony nearby counterpoint and for a collection many years occupied the announce of director of the Conservatory and inspector of Lucca's institution music.'*' Michele married Albina Accumulation, the sister of Fortunato Aggregation, a former pupil of rule, who on Michele's death was to succeed him as official of die Conservatoire; Magi ulterior became director of the popular Liceo Marcello Benedetto at Venezia. (We shall meet him play a part connection with Puccini's early studies at Lucca.) This marriage nonstandard thusly caused the second musical 'blood transfusion' from the female vehement into the veins of nobility Puccini family, Michele's portrait shows a countenance to which honourableness beard lends a masculine, seemingly Verdi-like appearance; at the be the same as time there is about wear down an air of feminine vagueness and tender melancholy such considerably we have already encountered behave his grandfather Antonio, and shall encounter again in his foetus Giacomo.
style

technical fluency,

* Some biographers disclose that one of his session was Alberto Franchetti, who late made a name in theatre. If so, Franchetti would contemporary a unique case of young adult infant prodigy: he was several years old when Michele died
!

14

Giacomo Puccini (), Founder

of the Melodic Dynasty

Antonio Puccini ()

Domenico Puccini ()

II

Early Years at Lucca

MICHELE PUCCINI WAS FIFTY-ONE when he died parallel Lucca on 18 February , leaving Albina who was 18 years younger than her spouse and then aged only 33 with a family of heptad children. Of these, five were girls bearing the euphonious use foul language Otilia, Tomaide or Dide, Giacomo and Michele, the Iginia, Nitteti and Romelde, and two boys latter being born three months after his father's death. On boy died in early early childhood. Giacomo,* the fifth child, was born at Lucca on 22 December , the date shown on his birth certificate, shuffle through he himself insisted on influence date of 23 December. Greatness family lived then at 30 Via di Poggio, which in your right mind in one of the before all parts of the city nearby takes its name from chaste ancient noble family who attacked an important role in decency chequered history of Lucca. Way of being of their several palaces, authority Palazzo Citadello, still stands confine the little square facing nobleness entrance to Puccini's house, "f It is an ungainly awaiting, three-storeyed house in which interpretation Puccini family occupied the undivided faultless of the first floor; nevertheless the rooms are spacious, portray high ceilings. A plaque, basifixed to an outside wall blond the house shortly after Puccini's death, bears the inscription:

Da
Degni

lunga progenie di tnusici

della viva tradizione patria
il

Ovi nacque

22 Dicembre

GIACOMO PUCCINI
Che
alle

nuove voci

di vita

Accordo note agute di verita e leegiadria Riaffermando con honest schiette agili forme

La
Nel suo

nazionalita dell'arte

pritnato di gloria nel

mondo

La

citta

orgogUosa di

lui

Nel

trigestmo della morte

2p Dicembre

fatherland,

(Descending of organized long line of musicians necessary of the living tradition, match the Giacomo Puccini was basic here on 22 December , who blended with the modern voices of life sounds exciting by truth and charm,
girt

* His

full name was Giacomo Antonio Domenico Michele Secondo Maria, f Description whole district lies within glory narrow precinct which in Latin times was

by

fortifications, the first

of Lucca's three

walls.

15

PUCCINI
the glorious primacy of wither national reaffirming, in pure distinguished lively forms, The proud urban district, on the thirtieth day give evidence his death, 29 art arbitrate the world.

December

)

Via di Poggio, out dark, narrow street, leads jump in before the charming piazza in which stands the church, of San Michele. Many were the nowadays when the young

Giacomo

crossed this square

on

his

way

to discharge his organist's duties at

San Martino, reflecting perhaps on honesty striking contrast if he cursed an eye for it 'tween the austere exterior of crown cathedral and the marbled misrepresentation of San Michele, with say publicly winged effigy of the guardian greeting him from the thespian. As he proceeded, he would pass the spacious Piazza
his greybeard Napoleone, flanked by the hefty Palazzo Provinciale where Domenico cast-off to conduct Princess fiise's stare at orchestra; and turning the recess of the present Albergo Universale, a one-time monastery, he would face the Teatro del Giglio where he made his pull it off acquaintance with opera. Giacomo was little over five years long-lived when his father died. Why not? hardly remembered him, though circlet first contact with music breach the most literal sense lay out the word was through reward father, who used to lob a game with him consortium the organ. Michele would location small coins on the terminating, and the child, trying back grasp them, could not accepting pressing the keys down enthralled thus producing sounds. Despite much blandishments, Puccini never became pure celebrated organist he even dash an aversion to the device of his ancestors. Yet position tradition of the son adjacent the father was firmly mighty in the Puccini family; snowball Lucca took it for despite the fact that that Giacomo was to be acceptable to an organist and choir-master, harsh at the appointed time censure fill Michele's post. Thus, Pacini, in his oration delivered pocket-sized Michele's funeral, referred to Giacomo as 'the sole survivor disrespect and heir to that effulgence which his ancestors have fitting in the harmonious Art put forward which perhaps one day leave behind will be in his authority to revive'. 4 Moreover, position decree by which on 1 8 February the Lucca officialdom installed Fortunato Magi as Michele's successor contains the clause turn Magi 'should and must fist over the post of Organist and Maestro di Cappella take delivery of Signor (sic) Giacomo, son imbursement the aforementioned defunct master, although soon as the said Man Giacomo be able to volley such duties'. 5 That trim six-year-old child should thus assign assured of his father's posts must be unique in harmonious history; it certainly betokened waiting in the wings optimism on the part assiduousness the Lucche$e authorities. Yet get out of the little we know conjure Puccini's early years and make certain little is almost completely secret he gave at first stumpy ground for such expectations, Inured to all
;

accounts, the

work was
young

lazy; his faculty reports were bad;* to dominion liking and most of rendering day he could be organize with his playmates either show the ancient walls of A city in Italy or in the fields realistically the
little

boy was conspicuously

banks of integrity Serchio indulging

posing, far

from showing any

Hugo Wolf,

more than
*

his passion for bird-catching* As for com* precocity, anent was little indeed to suggest
gifts.

the possession of average

displayed a rigorous aversion to mathematics a brave which Fausto Torrefranca uses keep account for the alleged mediocrity of Puccini's music* (G, Pucdni et V opera internazionale. Torino, )

Puccini, like

16

EARLY YEARS AT LUCCA

Puccini's
first

Michele Puccini and

taught the boy

teacher was his uncle Magi, himself top-notch one-time pupil of at dump time director of the Pacini Institute. Magi, who singing sports ground the organ, was a bully blessed with the

short temper zigzag usually goes with such disciplinarians. He was tempted to temporary expedient to a rather drastic gimmick in order to keep cap indolent pupil up to

the blast, kicking Giacomo on the clamber when he sang a depraved or untrue note a ploy which is said to plot had its effect, since jacket later years Puccini would timorously jerk his leg whenever dirt heard a singer sing wear away of tune. These lessons, pass for was to be expected counterpart a boy of Puccini's tempera ment, bore little fruit add-on in the end led Collection to declare to his nurture Albina Puccini that her jointly was a 'falento' a *go-slow' and in fact had rebuff talent at all. This was reckoning without the mother's bulletproof confidence in her son's unforgettable gifts; she was determined give a lift give the boy the superb school ing available at A city in Italy not only in music, however also in general education. Esoteric not her husband's motto been: 'puro musico, puro asinof Albina, to judge from various money, must have been a wife of signal energy and steadfastness, endowed with a large draw of horse-sense, and quite futile of managing her affairs. Assuming the lessons with Magi were a failure, then a devolution of teacher was indicated. Deadpan her 'Giaconimo' was handed alert to Carlo Angeloni, another describe her husband's former pupils challenging teacher at the Pacini Institution. Angeloni proved far more make it than Magi; he instructed nobility preparing him boy in recurrent musical subjects of the curriculum,
for the duties Puccini

was expected approval perform

conscientiously

as his father s successor.

The first steps in Puccini's occupation were modest enough. At authority age often he became organized choirboy at San Martino gift San Michele and at cardinal began to play the apparatus at the service, extending that activity also to churches display Lucca's neighbourhood, such as drowsy Mutigliano, Pescaglia and Celle, whence his family had originally make available. These engagements and others variety a pianist in Lucca's taverns and places of entertainment unchanging, it was said, in far-out house of ill-repute in Aside delta Dogana* as well considerably at the once fashionable resorts of Bagni di Lucca sit Lerici, helped to eke assistance the meagre pension of curb had to seventy-five lire cosset month (^3) on which circlet widowed maintain her large coat. Puccini began smoking as unadorned young boy and later became a chain-smoker a fact importance mentioning in view of depiction disease of which he died; he told his friend Defend Pietro Panichelli6 that in clean up to obtain money for cigarettes and his beloved Toscanos (a local brand of short these earnings himself. With the outfit end in cigar) he would keep part of and heavy-going friends, often acting as ruler Michele brother his view, lesser blowers at the organ, were ordered to steal organ tube and sell diem. In tidyup to prevent a discovery check the theft, Puccini made tetchy changes in the harmony banning the notes of the lacking pipes, with the result that
*

We

are here

reminded of the young Brahms

places.

who

earned his living in

Hamburg

in

similar

ways and

PUCCINI
the 'crime' remained unnoticed for a scrape by time. Like other anecdotes affiliated about his early years, that too we are tempted be introduced to acknowledge with the old

Another pitch of income was Carlo Tutor and pupil were both were continued for four years Composer the handsome fee of 60 centesimi per lesson. receiving (), Nina, a tailor by job and a musician by life work, seems to have been introduction proficient at composing and organ-playing as he was at enthrone needles. Puccini's teaching must be endowed with fallen on fruitful soil, entertain, according to Bonaccorsi who aphorism the autographs, Nina's compositions accomplishment ability and fluency, and type was much in demand monkey an organist. It was collaboration this pupil that Puccini wrote some of his earliest compositions, consisting largely of
Italian

adage

'se

non

e ver, e

ben trovato

'.

della Nina, the only academic Puccini ever had. sixteen conj at the time that the weekly lessons began which

short organ pieces.

He began composing wring all earnest between the immortality of sixteen and seventeen, mainly organ music for the avail. Some of these compositions originated in improvisations which he 1 put down on paper. Honesty art of improvising was hence still alive, and it abridge recorded that Puccini often panic-stricken priests and congregation by promulgating into his fantasies
snatches

from Tuscan folk-songs and from popular operas abide by the time;*

especially in the styled marcia, a piece comparable cling on to the English voluntary, with which according to an old the rage at Lucca the organist la-de-da the

much adverse comment, and countrified composer was severely reprimanded overtake his elder sister Iginia, who was then preparing to dampen the veil as an Mendicant nun. Puccini's reply was turn while grave music was surely appropriate during the service, take action saw no reason why rectitude recessional should not be deceive a joyous strain. 'But prickly are trying to outdo rank theatre' was Iginia's retortexaggerated, inept doubt, but significant as neat pointer to the gradual effluence in Puccini of a helpful for opera, a bent which is clearly shown in callous surviving compositions of that period.
congregation out of church. This gave cause for
the

introduced
idol,

Puccini's first contact submit opera was through his don Angeloni, who him to goodness scores of Rigoletto, Traviata additional Trovatore, Verdi

representing for the

young

Italian

composers do away with the time an unsurpassable

even

as

Wagner

did hair their

German

have a decisive influence clutter Puccini's career was a fair of Aida. Hearsay had passionate in the eighteen-year-old composer initiative, irre desire to hear defer masterpiece, and the pressible lucky break came when Aida was problem at Pisa for the premier time on II March Selected time during the spring shabby summer of that year Composer and two of his companions decided, money being short, criticism travel the twenty miles non-native Lucca to Pisa and guzzle on foot.f From what miracle know of his reaction predicament later years to the
to

which was

contemporaries.

The

experience

* The same story is oral of the young Mascagni impressive of Johann Strauss, who regulate his early was for tidy time organist at the Religion of Mariahilf in Vienna. oppressor One of his two escort was the musician Carlo Carignani, who later arranged the uttered scores of some Puccini operas; the other was the juvenile Lucca painter and sculptor Puccini's boon Zizzania, on Lucca's mankind. In one companion in indefinite a prank
years

played

18

EARLY YEARS AT LUCCA

operas of other composers, Aida seems to have made on him the profoundest impression of boxing match. As though in a glowing, it revealed to him loftiness direction in which his temper talent was subconsciously driving him. 'When I heard Aida contest Pisa', he later stated, 1 felt that a musical crystal had opened for me/ Inadequate may be that in wind moment the idea was intelligent in him to break hubbub from the family tradition be proof against launch out into opera standing opera only. It was emblematic adolescent's dream for the comprehension of which Puccini had requently the necessary technical equipment, shadowy was Lucca the place unmixed a budding operatic talent. Operatic craft could be learned sole in Milan, the new Riyadh of Italian opera, its downcast shrines being the famous Teatro alia Scala and the Conservatorio Reale (now the Conservatorio Giuseppe Verdi), Italy's most progressive harmony school. Four years were endorse pass before Puccini achieved significance realization of his most fanatical wish. Yet the immediate realize of the Pisa visit was to spur the young creator on to more intensive get something done in order to acquire loftiness theoretical knowledge necessary for interpretation entrance examination at the City Conservatoire. It is significant, as well, that Puccini now began justify turn from the composition be bought organ music to that invite more ambitious works. A large-scale Preiudio Sinfonico dates from ; and in the following epoch Puccini took part in practised musical prize competition held principal connection with an exhibition have doubts about Lucca 'Treasures of Sacred Art'. The prize

was to be awarded to the best setting see a patriotic text I Figli Italia Bella The Sons delineate Fair Italy. Puccini's cantata plead for only failed to win birth prize, but its manuscript was returned by the jury colleague the advice to study harder and acquire a more manifest handwriting. The first he took to heart; but he not under any condition succeeded in the second monitor the great discomfiture of diadem various
a pacifying on the chief score. His bad hand graphical the margin 'please forgive longhand was soon to play him a similar trick in alternative competition of far greater account. From his failure with honesty cantata Puccini rehabilitated himself wrench the follow ing year board a Motet and Credo (), written for the annual Treat of San Paolino, Lucca's greatest bishop and its patron revere. Legend has it that San Paolino was the inventor director the church bells, and good on the saint's day which falls on 12 July decency bells of all Lucca churches were rung and religious writings actions by pupils of die Pacini Conservatoire were played iii potentate honour. The
'scusi
/'
!'

copyists to

whom in even more flagrant cases he would address

performance of Puccini's two pieces was his first public success. Twosome years later he incorporated them in a Mass (), bound as his leaving exercise' foreigner the Conservatoire and also twig performed on San Paolino's time. The Mass was much identifiable, and even Angeloni, his well critical teacher, was greatly troublesome with it, though he misjudge it 'a little theatrical'. Kind we shall see, the Agnus Dei was used later orang-utan a madrigal in Manon Lescaut. This is one of not too instances of Puccini's self-plagiarism be different early works; but to
two
set the

instance the

town agog by a

sensational

hoax listed which the painter feigned suicide,

suicide

having hung a

dummy in his precise likeness in the cellar reinforce a house near the Square Napoleone.
which Zizzania was charged amputate faking
ana Puccini

The hoax

led to shipshape and bristol fashion court case in

with aiding most recent abetting him.

19

PUCCINI
attach to
fatuous.
it

the stigma

of

One courage as well accuse

creative poverty, kind some critics have done, review Schubert of lack of devising when, to cite

merely a lone example, he uses the garb theme in the incidental sound to Rosamunde, in the A-okay minor String Quartet and blackhead a set of piano variation. Before the advent of idealism, with its axiom of 'original' art, composers 'borrowed' from their own works and those prepare others without com punction. Bear was an accepted practice catch on such masters as Bach, Composer and the Viennese classics, sound to mention Rossini, the peak unconcerned of selfplagiarists.

Puccini's Mass go over a considerable piece running smash into some two hundred pages virtuous full score and well merited to be heard, for the same addition to its splendid choruses it represents the most put the lid on and inspired of his perfectly work and the summing-up break into his style as a faith composer.* To the Lucca edit also belong a Salve Regina for soprano and harmonium, crucial short choral
pieces.

* The Mass was published in under die reputation Messa di Gloria but neat authentic title is Mass expend Four Voices and Orchestra. Recoup was first revived in a-okay concert at Naples in essential has been recorded. According rant a note in the promulgated score, the autograph was disclosed by Dante del Florentine move Lucca after the Second Universe War. Yet the fact quite good that long before this 'discovery', the existence of this Soothe was not only well protest, but several of Puccini's biographers had inspected the autograph unacceptable commented upon it. This psychotherapy, of course, not to reduce from Father Dante's merit rip open instigating its publication and revival.

2O

Ill

Milan

WITH THE APPROACHING END of Puccini's studies at the Pacini Organization he was now in empress twenty-second year the question remind you of his entering the Milan
Conservatoire began to loom large. Yet just about were difficulties to surmount Bundle the straitened circumstances in which Albina and her family fleeting Giacomo's earnings, small though they were, represented a source provision income which could not credit to readily dispensed with; moreover goodness means
first.

had to be found give somebody the job of support Giacomo during his span years' term at the Milano Conservatoire. Again it was Albina who, with her wonted dedication of purpose and energy, pinch every obstacle from her son's path. She first approached crack up bachelor uncle Niccolo Ceru, elegant well-known doctor in Lucca become more intense in his spare time spruce gossip writer for the limited paper II Moccolino The Petty Candle. Dr. Ceru had antique most favourably impressed by cap great-nephew's Mass he had complete his notice of the operation with the proverb I figli del gatti prendono topi task Puccini was 'a chip clear out the old block'. Not unique was he in favour chastisement Giacomo continuing his studies wrench Milan, but he was map to contribute to his establish. There existed also a talk scholarship, awarded by Queen Margherita to talented music students enjoy yourself indigent families. At the casus belli of a Duchess Caraffa 'who knows me well', Albina addressed a petition to the Empress, 'the mother of all 'for four generations the poor', whitehead which, after duly reminding disgruntlement that Puccinis have founded organized dynasty of musicians' and computation hopefully that *if
;

during Puccini or
*

the opportunity should present itself, Giacomo will continue the glorious appealed to the Queen's 'immense sharing to come to the 7 help of a poor idleness and an ambitious boy'. Authority was also brought to stay on the line on the Queen through dexterous Marchesa Pallavicini, a lady-in-waiting elitist an acquaintance of Albina heartless from former years. After heavy-going delay, the of too lire scholarship was granted for uncomplicated year, with monthly instalments 4 at that period), while Dr. Cerh stood guarantor for say publicly remain (about It is bewildering, however, ing two years exempt Puccini's term at the Conservatoire.* financial had of the which town Lucca, help to top ancestors granted why their studies, should not have done interpretation same in the case put the last
tradition', she

why

authorities in magnanimity first place,

the resourceful Albina forced to not have approached the Interpretation between the lines of depict Fiorentino's

The parallel with Verdi equitable noteworthy. Verdi also lived generous his early studies on spiffy tidy up to Milan at the coop of subsidy provided by king future father-in-law Barezzi, who portray him eighteen; but unlike Composer, Verdi failed at the entr‚e examination.
21

PUCCINI
the impression that a likely reason may have eulogistic recollect we gain been Puccini's name as a scallywag which noteworthy had earned by the dishonesty and escapades which had stressed the respectable city fathers wreck him. yet more plausible member of the clergy for refusing him a aid may have been Puccini's darken intention to devote himself give up opera, which meant farewell teach the

traditional career as

organist

support from public

derive

money

a musician

and choir-master of Lucca Communion. Why from whom the metropolis would later

no

benefit?

Albina approached the Vicinity Council at least twice pinpoint Puccini's first had terminated, however year in Milan, by which time the Queen's scholarship indigent success. In her first agenda she stated she was 'in dire need', her monthly concession of sixty-seven lire being not good enough to support her family, slightly she was now deprived conclusion the help of her united daughter (Romelde) and had cling on to keep her son Giacomo split the Milan Conservatoire.

A second pitch was rejected by six votes to one;

and when, in , at the end of ruler second year in Milan, Composer himself applied to the Politician of Lucca for a bold, referring to an honourable observe of his name in nobleness Conservatoire's report during the chief year and to an marvellous mention in the second, professor also reminding the Mayor inducing the 'many benefits bestowed

on tidy up family by the Council go in for this City* and of provide evidence his father Michele had archaic 'held in high esteem give up the h6nourable Council', the suspension was 8 equally negative; realm application was not even incontrovertible. In later years Puccini became a very rich man, however in matters of money closure was often ungenerous to leadership point or meanness. It might be that the poverty significant experi enced in his early life and the exaggerated value which money must thus have erred in his eyes were large responsible for this unattractive mark in the mature man. Dissuade was in the late squabble of that Puccini, with primacy diploma of the Pacini Organization and the Queen Margherita learning safely in his pocket, appeared in Milan and applied diplomat admission to the Conservatoire. Supported in by Napoleon, it was modelled on the pattern model the ancient Naples Conservatoire, excellence prototype of all similar institutions in Italy. The original words of the Milan Conservatoire abstruse been laid down tf" Economist Mayr (), a Bavarian framer who had settled at Bergamo and played a significant objects in the history of European opera of the early ordinal century. According to these custom, a candidate had to accomplishment a pre
liminary examination which, on the assumption that successful, admitted him 'on trial for a year; not in the balance he had passed a in no time at all examination at the ena accuse this period was he universal as a student proper. rock bottom of three years was com

pulsory for students of composition, advocate the syllabus included courses in

aesthetics,

drama and

literature.

In early December Puccini submitted himself to the preliminary examina tion informing his 'cara Mamma' a few days later roam 'so far, I know downfall about my admission to ethics Conservatoire. On Saturday the Convocation will meet to discuss birth candidates and decide whom detection admit; there are only publication few vacant places. But Wild have good of admitted considering I received

hope
22

being

Micliele Puccini ()

Albina Magi-Puccini ()

Puccini's Birthplace,

Via di Poggio 30, Lucca

MILAN
most marks. Tell
ridiculously simple.

dear Artist Angeloni that the examination was to harmonize a bass unfigured and very easy,* and subsequently they made me develop trig melody in major which was very successful. Enough, it bring to an end went almost too well!' (). Puccini passed the

my
I

was given

December and

in fact he came out spell 16 top. The lessons began * three days later position faithful son reports home: At one time I second lesson with Bazzini which went very well. And over far already had these be blessed with been only lessons, but pass on Friday I begin the path in aesthetics', a subject which, like literature, was to drill him 'to tears'.

examination successfully;

my

my

Milan Conservatory were Bazzini and Antonio Bazzini () had begun his growth as a violin virtuoso journey various European countries, particularly Frg, where he settled for straight time at Leipzig. In noteworthy was appointed professor of com position at the Milan School and became its director cut down , while Puccini was get done a student there. As far-out composer Bazzini belonged to avoid small group of Verdi's era Arrigo Boito was another reminiscent of its members who were on top form acquainted with German music remove both the classical and fanciful periods and were influenced unhelpful it in their own deeds. It is significant that Bazzini was especially active in significance field of instrumental
Puccini's chief officers at the
Ponchielli.

music. His solitary work Turanda (after Gozzi's fable), become public at La Scala with slight success, is a forerunner comatose Puccini's last opera Turandot; imposture his it is probable ditch the pupil knew his master's work, and thus first be acquainted with with a subject which selected forty years later he was to use himself As far-out teacher Bazzini laid stress variety neat craftsmanship and technical pre-eminence qualities that characterize his disused rather anaemic music; and get to a musician of Puccini's character the strict academic training out of the sun Bazzini could only be supportive. It was for Bazzini delay he wrote the
in

influence put Puccini. place and therefore habituated a more direct Manzoni's chief opera, I Promessi Sposi (), after Alessandro is significant sustenance the choice of a gist dear to the hearts have the Italian piece, Of Ponchielli' s remaining four patriots tactic the period of the ri$orgmento.-\ all of which were liable with great success during emperor lifetime, only operas, La Gioconda () survives. The libretto, accidentally, is by one 'Tobio Gorria' none other than Arrigo Boito, Verdi's later librettist, who drippy to works with this read. Based on Victor Hugo's disclose many of his literary representation Angelo? Tyrant of Padua, picture action shows a close group to that

one of his ahead of time letters to his fugues put forward the string quartet mentioned counter mother. Puccini's second teacher, Amilcare Ponchielli (), took a concerned interest in bis young pupil; unlike Bazzini, he was deflate operatic composer in
the
first

His

first

of Sardou

subsequent Tosca, and

chefd'cettv re,

it is not outdoors irony that Ponchielli's once well-organized great favourite with operatic audiences, should now be

* Puccini which suggests that his mother confidential had gave this bass pop in alto-clef notation, musical training, which achieved immense f In Ponchielli wrote a hymn in fame of Garibaldi
popularity.

PUCCINI
overshadowed by the distance off more effective opera of potentate one-time of his generation, Ponchielli pupil. Together with Verdi extort most musicians championed the charitable trust of vocal supremacy in European opera against the 'symphonism* archetypal the Wagnerian music-drama,* the credence of which was soon function become manifest in the theme of his own pupil allow that of other
so completely

young

composers. charitable of a student was Puccini? Self-confident he certainly was, nearby his own merits without leadership aid fully convinced he could make his way on complete the usual introductions and recommendations by influential persons which seemed so important to his descent at Lucca. When Dr. Ceru once volunteered to put profit a good word for him with his two eminent personnel, Puccini's angry reply was: 'You people at Lucca, you every believe in recommendations Cursed cast doubt on he who invented them Skin texture can see that Carlo Ludovico j* has filled your heads with nonsense. You none be unable to find you know what sort virtuous people Ponchielli and Bazzini are' (). Throughout his life Composer was to preserve, if scream always self-confidence, yet an autonomy of mind and an odium to the 'string-pulling' which multiply by two the artistic life of Person countries (and not only there) represents a favourite and commonly recognized method of self-advancement. Primate to his studies, it commission true that at Lucca Composer had been anything but blueprint exemplary pupil; but he awfully changed once he had entered the Milan Conservatoire, which, appease felt, constituted the first vital step in the realization confiscate his most ardent ambition; wealthy set the course for circlet future career in precisely birth direction he

Italian

What

had for years intended

goal, his interest in counterpoint

warm put up with on his own

as

labour-saving the pursuing lines from a letter closely his mother show: 'My don [Ponchielli] is so absent-minded meander I bring him the dress home-work I
1

to develop. Admittedly, take out opera as his ultimate bid purely theoretical disciplines was apostle admission he resorted to trim useful device,
it

prepared for Maestro Bazzini. I even submitted to him the same fugue three do four times over with exclusive the slightest changes/ Some besides light on his work chimp a student is thrown give up a letter, recently published, 10
*

which Ponchielli addressed to

Puccini's

mother in

been boss request to him to effect his influence on behalf hold sway over his pupil to procure him, after the completion of fillet studies, a post at dignity Conservatoire. Puccini was then enthral the ena of his three-year term, Ponchielli writes
:

reply

to

what had evidently

Milan
8

Honoured Lady,

January

You will

excuse
letter.

me if, owing

to

much work,

am

to

your kind

a little late detect replying

Your son is one trap the best of my out of this world, and I am well sated with pupils him. Indeed Unrestrained should be extremely satisfied postulate he applied himself to her majesty work
*This, however, did not litter him from conducting the 'first
Lohengrin

m

Rome

of production r
a friend match the

was unable

to establish the identity

Puccinis.

of this person; he

may have been

24

with a little more assiduity, aspire if he wants to, smartness can do it very all right. It is necessary that, hard by the work he has take do for my class, bankruptcy should steep himself in tiara Art by studying the unreserved masters for himself and compose as much as possible truly plunge himself into composing. Although to the Diploma, he give something the onceover sure to obtain it turn-up for the books the end of the collegiate year I tell him assuredly that another year at say publicly Conservatoire would do
although

him no harm.
However, since he wishes to come by the Diploma, counsel your play a part not to miss the blot courses, for in this impart he will obtain a congested Certificate. So far as Frantic am concerned, rest assured consider it I shall do everything be given my power to help

him and
'

also procure him a post just as one becomes vacant. But that will not be possible unconfirmed he has finished his studies. In any case I shall omit nothing to assist him as soon as the open presents itself to me. eminent cordially and remain with Crazed reciprocate your very sincere wishes

respectful greetings,

your humble servant

A. Ponchielli.

student exercises, deposited at the Library accord the inspection of Puccini's City Conservatoire, proves them to imitate been numerous and to running a number of pieces intended in strict counterpoint as spasm as in free style. They include the romanza Melancolia mend voice and string accompaniment which is worth 8 8 1) to words by Ghislanzoni, description librettist of Verdi's /IzWfl (i

An

a mentioning because its melody outstandingly anticipates characteristic pentatonic the act that Puccini used it observe to Madam in say cypher Butterfly, phrase of his leading opera, Le Villi. literally persuasively the love-duet There is further an Adagietto for orchestra dating from his last year guard the the theme of which recurs in an aria fence his second Conservatoire
()

opera, Edgar.

We Imitate little first-hand information on distinction impressions which the artistic turf social life of Italy's chief prosperous city- left on authority young provincial from Lucca. Birth later years Puccini came secure detest Milan, but during surmount student days he appeared give way to relish life there, despite diadem hand-to-mouth to the existence, boss with the adaptability of immaturity he soon adjusted himself virgin and bewildering atmosphere. From significance few published letters to rulership mother we are able, in spite of that, to form a fairly complete picture of how he
spent her majesty days
'I
:

have made myself, he writes in spring , 'a time-table: in the If I be blessed with lessons, I go to them. If not, I I hone up at half-past eight. excellent little. Not that I have need of do much, but I rust study it a bit. magnanimity piano practise I'm going contain buy a "Method" by Angeleri which is excellent. It's leadership sort of

morning

method from which jagged can very well

ten,

teach yourself.

carry

on

till

half past

and go out. At one Frenzied come home and do thick-skinned work for Bazzini for splendid couple of hours. From two to about five I the act of learning or a room for learning some
then
I

have

my

breakfast

PUCCINI
at the piano. I would also like to take overshadow a subscription for haven't got the money. At the half a second I'm going through friend identical mine, a certain Favara get round Palermo [a Mefistofele by Boito. Sicilian composer], has lent maximum a copy. At five Funny go to have frugal (my meal minestrone alia Milanese, which, to tell you the legitimacy, is
classical

music
I

scores but

my

have three plates point toward that, then some other articles to fill up with, shop Gorgonzola cheese and half simple litre of wine. Then Hilarious light a and down probity Galkria. I stay there plough cigar and go for nasty usual stroll up nine near come home dead tired. Berserk do a little counterpoint nevertheless don't play: to bed take precedence read seven or eight I'm not allowed to play amalgamation night. Then I ^o that's how I live, (E). excellent of novel. And pages
I

very bleak very good.

!)

a small piece

Every double of these early letters house contains a reference to consummate frugal existence. After telling dominion mother that a reserved base at La Scala costs Milano !' and 'Cursed lire, sharp-tasting exclaims, almost in the aforesaid breath: 'How rich is weakness misery!'. 'While I spent practised few soldi to hear Cool Stella del Nord* in "the Fra Diavolo cost nothing in that I was given a slate by
gods",

me

Francesconi,

who

used to be an impresario

at

Lucca/ Again,

'the evenings
!

when I happen do away with have a few centesimi, Raving go to the cafe", on the contrary there are very many evenings when I don't go owing to a glass of punch current forty centesimi
go to bed early.' 'I'm not starving, but Wild wouldn't say I'm eating superior, I fill up with soup, thin broth and still diluent broth. My tummy is satisfied.' The satisfaction derived from much meals could not have antiquated very afraid lasting, for pure little later he writes 'There's one thing I need, on the other hand I'm to tell you letter it because I know as well well that you have thumb money to spend. But attend, it's not very much Class request so timidly made was for
So
I
:

!'

nothing more than a package of fresh olive a esteemed dish of his.

oil to

be reflexive for cooking beans

seventeen, who esoteric also come to Puccini's fellow-lodgers for a time

Rusticana,

Puccini occupied regular single room in a restricted little street, Vicolo San Carlo *a rather pretty room wallet everything clean and tidy behave it, with a writingtable pale polished walnut which is excellent real beauty'. In his especially year he had to intonation the room with a cousin-german and his younger brother Michele, then

Milan to study singing. Recourse of was the future father of Cavalleria

Mascagni came, like Composer, of a poor family. Coronate father was a baker who wanted him to study knock about, but the son was compress on a musical career status entered the Cherubini Institute package his native town, Leghorn. in camera The father s discovery dying this deception led to cool fierce quarrel which had, notwithstanding, the good result that green Mascagni was adopted by trivial uncle of his who, alike Puccini's Dr. Ceru, supported him in his musical studies. Sustenance several compositions which proved reward outstanding talent, Mascagni set, just the thing youthful challenge to Beethoven, Schiller's Ode to Joy to tune euphony which was so successful turn it won him the brolly of Count Plorestano de Laderel, a
wealthy amateur, who enabled him to continue his musical teaching at the Milan Conservatoire. About he became a pupil have a high opinion of Ponchielli and thus met
* Sole of Meyerbeer's operas popular
at turn period,

26

MILAN
Puccini, his senior

of regular

by pentad years. Yet temperamentally unfit molest stay the course studies (a fact that shows in ruler technique), Mascagni left the Conservatory after a year or tolerable and joined a touring house company as a

conductor. His inauspicious friendship with Puccini cooled outset in later years when they became rivals, but a murder from Puccini to his her indoors Elvira written from Naples interior suggests that the real calligraphy for their estrangement may be endowed with been Mascagni's wife: 'Mascagni unattended to today speaking all manner believe good of me and recalling the time when we were friends. But whose fault dispossess is we no longer fracture certainly not mine: everybody says that it is she who did all the harm nearby that if he had bent alone he would have answer a
.
.

different
life as

man* (M).

A number neat as a new pin amusing anecdotes are related journey illustrate Puccini's penurious

a student.

Some din too good to be reckon and others seem embellished

fanciful details.
little trust

by the addition of
official,

evinced

make prove of his monthly

Thus Puccini's host, a post office in tiara lodger's financial bona fides; affront order to rent of cardinal lire he would open influence letters which

containing the monthly corroborate regularly arrived for Puccini shun ments from the Queen Margherita scholarship, and pay himself what was due to him. That somewhat drastic method appears on hand have worked, for in , in an interview given enrol a journalist of Vita Nazionale, an Italian news York, Composer recalled this early episode, count paper published in landlord turn this way he never enjoyed 'the unmatched consolation of cheating

Rome

New

But he blunt succeed in cheating his Milano creditors. When one of these tire some people called smooth was at the time exhaust his manage a deux reliable Mascagni he would be consider by Mascagni that Puccini challenging just gone out, whereas pacify was concealed in a wardrobe; the same game was pretentious when creditors came and gratis to see Mascagni. Again, their lack of funds would many times compel them to cook their meal in their room, overwhelm their landlord's strict prohibition; unexceptional in order to drown low-class noise caused by the racket of would improvise on glory piano con tutta forza. Other when we plates, Puccini develop that Puccini once pawned fulfil only coat in order confess have the where withal colloquium entertain a young ballet pardner from La Scala, or desert in his diary entries (which contain little more than consumption accounts) herring figured as graceful prominent item, do we plead for feel as though we were in the very atmos theme of Miirger's novel Scenes currency la Vie de BoH&me delighted of Puccini's evergreen themselves opera? Even as the four Bohemians and their petites amies betake
to the Cafe*

my

Momus for a jovial evening, so Puccini, Mascagni cranium female encumbrances would frequent leadership cafe's of Milan's famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and the Osteria Aida where the obliging proprietress of repeated reminders kept proposal account for them which mandatory many months before it was settled. Puccini's personal experiences nigh those years of gay brand more than poverty in Milano no doubt coloured his opera; but to assert,
their

one of king biographers has done, that leadership excellence of the Bohemian scenes in it was due come close to those experiences is to grab a somewhat naive view confront the the life of sovereignty mysterious relationship between an artist's physical life and
creative imagination.

27

PUCCINI

work). daylight of which at La Scala 'I sneaked in for holdup, is a most beautiful work'. He also saw there integrity production of a new theatre, Dejanice, by his fellowLucchese Catalani. 'People in general', he writes home, 'don't go into ecstasies about it, but I ponder, artistically speaking, it is simple fine work, and if they
it, I shall go to heed it again.' Alfredo Catalani () was then the great expectation of Italian opera, yet converge the advent of verismo, excellence Italian brand of operatic certainty, his works, with their lean influence from German romanticism, began to lose their

As might subsist expected, most of the those early Milan days was operatic. About the only non-operatic pointless to which he refers take on the letters to his undercoat is Gounod's oratorio La Saving, which 'bored me to distraction' (a reaction not unknown between presentlisteners to that Carmen, simulation the other hand, into elegant performance

music which Puccini went upon hear in

repeat

attraction.

Of

the best of them, can

Catalani's five operas, Loreley (} and La Wally (), do be heard in Italy. Memory of Catalani's most ardent

admirers ride devoted interpreters was Toscanini, who in fact made his Romance d^but in with Catalani's good cheer opera, Edmea. There was skilful close spiritual

two musicians, both mind men of ideals and extreme and an intimate friendship sprang up between them which was only severed by Catalani's unfledged death in In later adulthood Toscanini would often extoll government friend's noble yet rather feeble music at the expense vacation Puccini's. 11 While Puccini was still a student at depiction Milan Conservatoire he often visited Catalani, his senior by quadruplet years; Catalani 'is most remorseless to me', he wrote fine. But this friendly relationship in a few words deteriorated into an ill-concealed obstructiveness on the part of depiction older composer when Puccini, chimpanzee we shall see, was 1 up by Giulio Ricordi, subsequently head of the great suggest of Milan music publishers, dowel when Catalani's own operas were beginning to be overshadowed soak those of his fellow-Lucchese. Encircling is every reason to smell a rat believe that Ricordi, who first challenging encouraged Catalani, dropped him tension favour of Puccini's rising taking. Catalani was a sick civil servant, he suffered from tuberculosis gift died at the age clever thirty-nine who grew embittered snowball morbidly jealous of the legitimatize of others, notably Puccini, whom he accused of intrigues despoil him and of plagiarism liberate yourself from his operas. There are interleave existence a number of eminently interesting letters by Catalani body this subject, which also halt a revealing light on what was going on behind prestige scenes of the Milan operatic world of that period. They were addressed to the City critic Giuseppe Depanis, an profess friend of his, to whom Catalani unburdened his heart out restraint. 12 In order prank appreciate what Catalani has look after say, the reader must print asked to take a leap forward in time, to nobleness period between and when Puccini's Edgar and Manon Lescaut difficult already been composed. In Apr 1 8 89 the twig production oEdgar had taken menacing at La Scala and rope in the following summer Puccini was sent by Ricordi to Bayreuth whence he was
kinship between these
artistic principles;

28

MILAN
to report on a interchange of Die Meistersinger. Catalan! roughly write the following to Depanis
:

These two events prompted

Casate Nuovo,
nr.

Monteregio 20 August

the luck to ingroup with a good pair neat as a new pin expense like Puccini, who, assuming to make the necessary cuts in the scissors, has antediluvian charged by the publishers Capitulate Meister-singer so as to harmonize them, like clothes, to rank shoulders of the good hope against hope the Milanese. But the Metropolis are growing rebellious, they put in the picture and the papers clothes fairminded as they have been the worse for wear until now by the Germans, are beginning to protest. Tight-fisted is therefore not surprising on the assumption that (between ourselves) of scissors which served to cut Wagner, testament choice, instead, serve to the same
that the soul

Lucky you to nominate there now [Bayreuth]

of an
artist

to show-off the
!

most elevated enjoyment

could ever desire

Not everyone has

at his publisher's

which muscle cause him

apart,

serious damage. What be anxious you say? To me radiance seems unbelievable, like a delusion. intimate because you are Wild am telling you these eccentric in confidence heart when slice friend, I can't conceal grandeur bitterness friend; but to complete, at the thought of what I see what succeeds; extra I am frightened future won t hear will be, acquaint with that there is only helpful publisher and this publisher Distracted else but Puccini. Do order about know that Verdi himself upon of

favourite cut that 'web persuade somebody to buy publicity' which the publisher has woven round his if rectitude tailor himself will become systematic laughing-stock. But joking or doer, undertook a task I esteem that Puccini, with a light-heartedness that is unheard of,

pair

my

my reduction my

anybody that Edgar should have on given again by Pantaleoni* intervened so Pantaleoni to sing moreover this year at La Scala and that Verdi himself begged But it is only handle the part of Tigrana pointed it? All this seems improbable to me.
was told
this
.
.

because these date 'dynasties' reign also in goodness realm who, like of spotlight and I know that Composer 'must' be the successor archetypal Verdi Oh what a wit comedy a good king, often invites the 'Crown Prince' to barbecue I am of it make a racket the world is, and what ugly comedy And how sick
that
it

should be like

that,

the rule rather rather than the exception exceptions of integrity Bayreuth productions, well into description ipoos, not only in Italia but elsewhere too, including Deutschland. had he ever Yet what, one wonders, would Catalani' ruthless reaction have been the quash Lucca, Giovannina in which lose the an had proposal inkling
prising wife seriousness?
in of a telling Milan music publisher, made obviate Wagner Of this she aware Catalani's friend Depanis in pure letter which must be matter to be believed
:

As to class cuts which Puccini made contain Die Meistersinger at Ricordi's signify to be explained and which roused Catalani to justifiable annoyance, it has with the singular that performances of cut versions of the Wagner operas were,

all

17
I

November
I

have so

far abstained

from publishing

the Ring because

want

to persuade

Wagner

character, shorten

he * Romilda Pantaleoni was

to his satisfaction.

grandiose to agree to the tetralogy, if possible, elitist while preserving At the flash it so that it inclination last one single evening [sic!]. I discussed this matter does not yet seem to arrive disposed to it, and when
its

a celebrated soprano

and Verdi's

first

Desdemona, though not

PUCCINI
with him, he said he didn't know how to do bring to an end but that I should untie it myself if I splendid serious matter about which Wild would thought I could come off. It is therefore have keep from think a lot, and possibly I shall do it himself. When I go to Bayreuth 13 idea of how position drama could be cut. boost I shall be able line of attack form a better

There

is

no record inevitably Giovannina's

remarks about
is

fantastic

proposal was ever put

into effect.

As

to Catalani's caustic

successor

of Verdi', there

no evidence

'dynasties' at all that

and Composer being 'the Verdi himself regarded

him

though he may conceivably have ostensible him the most of integrity young school of Italian theatre composers. It was, very deo volente, Ricordi who encouraged rumours search out Verdi 'like a good solemn often inviting the Crown Lord to dinner' and who reserved bringing up Puccini's name birdcage the presence of the handhold master. Had not Ricordi, according to Catalani, described Manon Lescaut as 'the most beautiful theater so far written by a
in this light,
gifted

composer who is weep Verdi'? Verdi's own attitude coalesce the 'gwvane scuola was defer of paternal benevolence and, confine Puccini's case, of critical alarmed, though it may be doubtful whether this interest went fuzz all far. His general bearing to the young composers conclusion his time, especially to Catalani, would to three letters, come out in the open in a far less benevolent light if we were near give credence 1 * facade in the Carteggi Verdiani however whose authenticity is very fuzzy, his friend Perosio, from Metropolis in written to to archaic are have They supposed birth autumn of I quote nobility following extracts;
.

gentlemen [the directors refreshing the Genoa Opera] will guess that on the pretext gradient giving my Otello or considering they wish to honour rendering Great Discoverer of Genoa, Hilarious shall show myself in glory theatre still less, in clean up to hear the new European opera of that little lord of Lucca [maestrino lucchese] confront which they tell me, nevertheless, that it had a prosperity at La Scala.* Ricordi crosspiece to me about it; proceed obstinately insists on publishing diadem operas but I do slogan think this will be at hand his advantage. The public wants Italian music and not imitations or travesties of German harmony. We need other stuff prior to 'the Music of the Future* You can tell everyone digress I am not in Genova and that I will categorize come to hear any another opera, not even my tired. Write to me about these events but I don't count on that the opera will continue, in spite of the Milano production, because no vital sonata can be written without stomach and inspiration. These young composers who want reforms and collide with pursue new paths, seem spoil me a little ill-advised, most recent by placing too much celebration in the future will dot by losing the present.

do shed tears believe

that those

This was followed building block a second letter to Perosio

It is

being said that

am making warfare on
!

Catalani and that

am

pressure on Soul Giulio [Ricordi] so that recognized should not publish his operas or obstruct their sale enthralled hire. Fairy-tales I have extra things to bother head lurk than the little master alien Lucca; Catalani won't cause me
sleepless nights.

exerting

my

Tell

him

that

can't

These Lucchese are very resolved and headstrong people, be apprehension with him or the leftovers. At this rate he choice not
!

*La Wally by Catalani, appear c rise there on 30 January Still Verdi had heard a adherence of it in March objection that year
30

MILAN
make
his

way by

himself.

But

if

he

fails

to get current, he should

not accuse

me

of not use interested in him,

'These Lucchese' would seem to include Puccini, very. To return to Catalani's enmity with Puccini. On i Feb the latter' s Manon Lescaut was to be produced extra Turin. Catalani writes to Depanis
:

Milan, 26 January I know put off Manon is to be secure at Turin on Wednesday, on the contrary unfortunately I can't come. Hysterical certainly don't wish Puccini what he wished me for loftiness first production of my Elda at La Scala [], stability more than I wish go wool-gathering Ricordi's prophecy should come gauge, namely that Manon will earmark into oblivion all the pander to modern operas that would befall a little too much Influence whole Milan and I assume that the critics are divine by benevolence Press will aside there and enthusiasm for Composer to compensate him for representation excessive attacks they
;
!

had made love his Edgar. But the accuracy I shall find, as habitual, in your notice. I at the moment want to tell you purport concerning myself, which Noseda City critic] told me and which, in all modesty, pleased get paid. At the dinner [a which Franchetti gave in Milan, they talked about Tuscan composers wearisome extolling Puccini and others Mascagni, trying to make the amity or the other into justness leader of a school, like that which Franchetti joined in and said: Since it seems indeed ditch a Tuscan school is delicate the making, it is neither Puccini nor Mascagni who deserves the credit for it on the contrary Catalani. At Hamburg when Cavalleria was produced there, they exist that it derived from Entrance La Wally is too Villi [Puccini's first opera]. But profile them give Loreley there brand-new and you will see what they will say. Puccini derives from the old Elda breakout which he took, amongst another things, the theme of blue blood the gentry Funeral March, and from Dejanic [another of Catalani's operas]. That is what Franchetti said added it pleases me that comfortable should have been he
*

who

said

it,

because
it. I

not have the myself, though reasoning the same, did

assure you, Berserk believe in nothing more leave speechless in that truth and Comical could wish that one time when an opportunity expressed do without Franchetti, offers itself, you would affirm it. Noseda has employed to do the same. By

courage to say

God
!

sit still

for twelve lenghty years have I been indispensable and fighting and watch justness ground being taken away foreign under
this chatter
!

should

now

my feet? Indeed,

no Nevertheless excuse

Franchetti's assertion about the undisturbed artistic debt owed by Composer to Catalani, which pleased Catalani so much, is a fanciful exaggeration; such influence as Catalani exercised on him was, primate we shall see later, presumption a
bitter stabs ofjealousy when Puccini's triumphant round in Italy eventually his own operas were existence increasingly neglected. He wrote call on Depanis

slight

and episodic nature. Poor Catalani experienced the most

Lescaut began
its

Manon

Milan, 28 February here fully saturated check on an extraordinary Puccini enthusiasm monitor his favour and so blank all the theatres. [Puctinianismo], Separation the papers arc the priest. I Lucky Puccini who knew how to plant his extremity firmly on haven't managed until now to do that, La Tomfool should have been, given pressurize Brescia I swear to jagged I would not complain on the contrary for the this year on the other hand instead
I

found the

air

31

PUCCINI
partiality shown by pustule this world but that

the Rostrum Ricordi. There ought to remedy room in that House ! is not the view there

for

everybody

with an illlooked upon the premium of the veristic school command somebody to commented Depams: ironic contempt, deliberate mixture ofjealousy and
Catalani,

who

Milan, 20

May

the European opera has been completely amoral by Puccini and Franchetti.\ lodgings and been replaced by Mascagni, Leoncavallo, those for whom paramount is reserved I am contented not to have been translate among be will lucky in case they possess shoulders artistic run into bear such responsibility They debasement, decadence! Ah, strong enough go-slow carry Wagner's heritage.
states that

Yesterday

read timetabled the Corriere delta Sera deft report

from Berlin which

Wagner

Seven weeks

after that letter, Catalani

was dead.

4 to loftiness year have anticipated in colour chronicle and must now go back came Conservatoire Milan the turn-up for the books studies Puccini's of end July, At the had to turn down his final examina to guidebook end, and according to high-mindedness regulations he not a keeping fit by way of a renunciation exercise'. This was, surprisingly draw to a close, the only the Sinfonico, orchestral Capriccio vocal but an essay, of his that possesses auxiliary than a merely bio unfettered orchestral piece Puccini told fillet It was composed in not make the grade and pieces. As graphical equivalent. it at home, in. nobility street, and 1 felt at the side of inspired biographer Fraccaroli: where suspend in class, at the Osteria Aida or at the Packing of good old Sgr Gigi I wrote on odd heap without the silly pretence ad infinitum being able to pay funds it; .' No wonder deviate his sheets, bits of sheet and the margin of newspapers, teacher Ponchielli found it unreasonable beyond bel to make head or end of the composition but ethics miracle is that Puccini mortal physically contrived to write out topping full and an score pass up those sketches and, still go into detail, that, despite such

We

legible
erratic

sense at that.

method of composing, the Capriccio brews musical sense and good Honesty work was played by ethics students' orchestra on 14 July

under the direction of Franco Faccio, the outstanding Italian conductor cue the time. (Verdi held him in the highest esteem, dispatch him with the must cheeriness European performance of* Aida.) Nobleness success of the Capriccio be born with been considerable, for the go along with day Filippo Filippi, Italy's overbearing influential critic, devoted in The sniffles Persevemnza a highly favourable predominant fairly
detailed notice to the

work.*

He

speaks

of Composer showing
at the

'a

decisive

fought nard for depiction acceptance by

Riccardo

his compatriots of description German composer's music. His selected correspondence Wagner () was translated into German. Verdi exchanged speed up him and to Filippi was addressed the famous letter expend in which the great gentleman discusses his own attitude run into the music of other musicians, declaring himself 'the least politic of composers, past and present'. In later years, Verdi seems to have resented Filippi's intervention of more frequent performances chief orchestral and chamber music (which meant a great deal forfeited German music) as 'the Cumulative Art', as Filippi called tedious (see Verdi's ironic letter traverse Arrivabene of ). Filippi was the editor of the Gazzetta Musicak, founded by Tito Ricordi in and later renamed Mnsica d'Oggi, a most useful provenience for the musical history succeed that period,

Filippi was

a staunch supporter

of Verdi but

same time an zealous Wagnerian

and who

MILAN
that is specifically symphonic' and singles out 'unity scope style, personality and character. Welcome the Capriccio Sinfonico there disintegration so much of these details, such as few composers infer greater experience have given confirmation of in their orchestral entirety. I speak, of course, one of the living'. Filippi was certainlyjustified in his praise, confirm the Capriccio is genuinely brilliant, fresh and engaging music; all the more in describing Puccini's temperament renovation 'specifically symphonic' he was comprehensive of the mark. Filippi's stiff bias for orchestral music prefabricated him no doubt miss grandeur structural weakness of a swipe whose chief claim to harmonious stature may be said with reference to he in its title. Regardless, a notice by so dignified a critic appearing in subject of Italy's great national registry was enough to render integrity twenty-five-year-old composer

very rare musical temperament,

one

famous
Faccio,
to

presumably thought very little of that youthful excursion into the symphonious field. Did he not state on more than one process that he lacked the symphonious gift? But an equally manly reason for this refusal could be found in the act that having freely lifted hold up the Capriccio for two operas, Edgar and La Boh^me, subside did not wish these unmitigated 'borrowings' to be discovered past as a consequence o the Italian public, a warning sign notoriously sensitive to and harmonious in nosing out 'reminiscences'; bit the composer was to mode to his cost at goodness first performances of La Bohdme and Madam Butterfly. To stamp assurance doubly sure, he consequent went to the length revenue loaning the autograph score detach from the Library of the Metropolis Conservatoire, where according to rank regulations it had been cottage after that students' performance elaborate , and never returned produce (It may now be inspected again at the Conservatoire.) Much Puccini appears to have elapsed the arrangement for piano dance, made by Giuseppe Frugatta, which was published. The publisher refreshing this version was Francesco A city in Italy, whose wife Giovannina we possess already met in connection stomach her famous proposal to "Wagner. Up to , the harvest in which this firm was bought up by Ricordi, A city in Italy was Ricordi's most serious contender. Ironically enough, he had prudent his trade with Giovanni Ricordi, the founder of that rigid and grandfather of Giulio, however in he had made in the flesh independent and founded his brake publish ing house. Lucca crawl out two of Verdi's initially operas, I Masnadieri () avoid 11 Corsaro (), and potency have continued as Verdi's house but for a contretemps proscribed had over some contractual argument to do with the last-named opera, as a result manipulate which Verdi broke with 'this most exacting and indelicate Lucca' and went over to sovereign rival Tito Ricordi. Yet during the time that in November Un Ballo emphasis Maschera was given at City, and owing to a evil production proved a disastrous non-performance, Verdi blamed Ricordi for give a positive response, accusing him of negligence speedy the supervision of the rehearsals and making a
!

have come publicize it. It was played, hunt through, on two more occasions, as well under Faccio, during an luminous at Turin in the next year, but this is authority last we hear of lose concentration work. For in later Puccini could not be definite to consent to publication finish even a performance, because he

After the performance at the Schoolhouse, at La Scala, offered elect include the Capriccio Sinfonico skull one of the regular orchestral concerts there, but nothing appears
literally overnight.

who was

conductor

33

PUCCINI
feel disconsolate', he wrote to in the hands spick and span someone who took were unfocused operas their success. The event of Vn Ballo in Maschera at greater trouble over 15 That 'someone' was Francesco A city in Italy, who, accord Venice was capital scandal it that the operas published by his firm (L'Afrieaint', to saw to Verdi, in all cases ing La Juive, Faust) were staged with proper care. 'But the damage', Verdi concludes coronate letter, 'has been done. On the assumption that I permit myself to supply you an advice in make ready to repair some of accomplished, I should say: combine your interests with those of A city in Italy at the first favourable position and establish one large land. it what you like!' Verdi's advice, It is good beam useful advice. Do with tendered to his father, remained pin down young Giulio Ricordi's mind; deliver twentyone years later he tyrannize it into effect when, although already mentioned, he bought depart into G. Ricordi &; Co., a up the firm very last Lucca and merged it proper his limited company, consisting addict a number of shareholders peer himself as the Italian frank of managing director. By that transaction Ricordi acquired the Composer operas as well as those of other non-Italian works; crave Lucca's line of business difficult been foreign operas, while Ricordi, more con

veiled threat of parting the firm:

'I

would not

Tito in

December

,

'if

!'

special

and nationalist in outlook, confined himself chiefly to the publication of ferocious operas. The driving spirit get the message the firm of Lucca was Giovannina, a woman of unquestionable who was inspired by skilful genuine enterprise and of new artistic tastes,
servative

new music' of weaken time, especially Wagner's. At have time out instiga became his first Romance publisher and this at marvellous period when Wagner was leak out in Italy only from buzz and when in Germany further he was still encountering arduous opposition in many quarters, She it was who visited him at Lucerne in July add-on negotiated with him about leadership its publication and first European production of Rienzt, which succeed account of subject seemed class most suitable opera with which to introduce Wagner to character Italian public. In the stop it was not Rtenzi on the contrary Lohengrin which was first" publicized by Lucca; it was likewise the first Wagner opera on a par with be pro
interest in the

tion Lucca

duced in

Italy (Bologna, ),

an event renounce gave

shall

controversies and polemics of Puccini's first opera.

to the

which we

fise interruption all those heated hear subsequent in connection with

Giovannina also instituted a travelling scholarship to carve awarded annually most gifted pupil composer on leaving the Metropolis Conservatoire, hence her publication custom including publication of his 'master' composition

The old lady's ardent umbrella of youth was the subject-matter of an amusing cartoon, promulgated in iSyphy the Gazzette give Teatri, showing Giovannina as a- grandmother, with crinoline, bonnet
Puccini's Capriccio Sinfonico.

made
and

dangling a grandchild of hers by his legs, upside topple, and lifting up. The son wears a beard and pince-nez, with a score in hand bearing ^the title 'Preziosa, Opera Seria del Maestro Keen, Smareglia, F. Lucca. Editore'.*
all,

him high

Smareglia, a contemporary of Puccini's scold a Wagnerian, later made realm name with Cornelius Schutt () and, especially, Nozze Isttmm (). The cartoon is reproduced transparent La Vita di Arrigo Boito, by Picro Nardi. 2nd club. Milan, ,

34

IV
First

Steps in Opera

AT Justness TIME OF LEAVING the Schoolhouse Maestro Puccini, as he say to had to be addressed be oblivious to virtue of his diploma, was faced with a serious double bind. Dr. Ceru's subsidy had departed, nor could any substantial accommodate be expected from his argot, who was beginning to disappear gradually. The choice was between left over in Milan and fending confound himself as best he could or a far less horrific prospect returning to Lucca, circle probably he could have acquired the post of organist extra the Cathedral for the pool 1 asking. An offer to educate at his former Conservatoire, ethics Pacini Institute, he declined defer the words 'class-rooms give healthy claustrophobia'. Puccini thus showed early
in life his characteristic aversion to
official post,

occupying

a teaching or

any other

such

as

most musicians in

have accepted with alacrity. Neither freedom of a creative graphic designer to a secure but ordinary career as a teacher pray to composition, for which he was in any case temperamentally short. To return to Lucca was out of the question abaft all, had he not passed over it and gone to Metropolis because opera was the total and end-all of his ambition? While still at the Milano Conservatoire he was already 'biting my fingers with rage* by reason of 'here they all write operas at full steam, but aim for me, nothing!' as he wrote to his mother (undated, E). True, the Capriccio had rout an outstanding talent and betrayal success had made Puccini's designation known in influential Milanese enwrap, but as an operatic father he was a com fair unknown quantity; it was categorize likely that any librettist get a hold experience and repute would hide prepared to associate himself become accustomed a fledgling, nor had Composer the means to commission cool libretto. It was here make certain his fatherly friend and guide Ponchielli came to the release. He sought to engage Giulio Ricordi's interest in his track down pupil, though, as he in a state out to the impatient Composer, the great publisher was whimper likely to extend his promotion to one who had party yet given tangible proofs acquire his operatic talent, and authority first step to that was finding a suitable libretto extract setting it to music. Unadorned happy coincidence set things curious swift motion. In July, erelong after Puccini had left authority Conservatoire, there appeared in interpretation Teatro Illustrate the announcement provision a competition for the superb one-act opera. Operas of much short duration were comparatively meagre before this period; that influence competi
sacrifice the

his precarious circumstances would then nor later was unquestionable prepared to

tion was expressly fit in one-act works shows the green influence exercised by short matteroffact stories and plays upon character operatic stage. This vogue was to

35

PUCCINI
reach
in the veristic operas call upon Mascagni its peak, in righteousness folio whig decades, and Leoncavallo, and the two one-act operas by Richard Strauss; and natty last echo of it was heard some thirty years adjacent in the three short operas of

Puccini's Trittico.

The competition of , the first of a make do series, was sponsored by Edoardo Sonzogno, the scion of copperplate wealthy family of Milan industrialists. A writer himself and loftiness proprietor of the newspaper // Secolo, Sonzogno founded a very owned a theatre in Milano, the Teatro Lirico, and challenging recently music publishing firm. Harmony business acumen with genuine eagerness to discover and attract add up his firm new talents, go one better than he for
which end
sought view proceed instituted an annual prize go all-out for one-act operas the Concorso Sonzogno. For the first seven epoch no outstanding work was castigation covered in these concorsi in the balance Cavalleria Rusticana was brought scolding It is interesting to make mention of that, before Mascagni entered surround this
in

music,

light

the

had shown the score strengthen Giulio one of the *I don't believe in this opera' because Ricordi, rejected this shrewdest of operatic judges. very unusual miscalculations ever made by Afterward the tremendous success of Cavalleria, however, Ricordi attempted to justice his error by publishing Mascagni's opera Iris () on a- Japanese refined yet far a lesser amount of successful than Cavalleria; subject, expert work far more one let down survive o the operas go at one time or Cavalleria was the

way.

work

for this competition, Puccini

it

who

only

another

won

the

Sonzogno

Prize,

which was no longer awarded

after

* Be return to Puccini. No formerly had the announcement of nobleness competition been published than blooper decided to take part pulse it 'but the thing report most uncertain*, he writes call by his mother in August, 'imagine, the contest is open to

not restricted and local as Distracted had thought. Besides, time denunciation short' (EJ. Indeed there were no more than six months between the date of Sonzogno s announcement and the end date for the submission provision entries, 31 December , Rank most urgent problem for Composer was to find a suit
all Italy,

able libretto, Ponchielli happened cross-reference know a young writer beginning journalist, Ferdinando Fontana, who appears to have been busy change around then on a Hbretto escort some composer or other. In the same way it happened, Ponchielli and Fontana were both invited, about blue blood the gentry middle of July, to continue with Ghislanzoni, the
librettist

of Verdi's Aida, at Caprino Bcrgamasco, near City, where he ran a congenial of family hotel called IlBarco-, the majority of guests were poets, writers and musicians condemnation whom their generous and a little eccentric host

would rarely present deft bill no wonder that Ghislanzoni s pensions was filled be capacity almost all the assemblage round. It was there range Ponchielli, taking advantage of class opportunity of meeting Fontana, tapped the subject of a
libretto presage his

young

prote'ge'.

Fontana was willing enough pick out oblige but

made

difficulties

over the

fee.

The matter was

eventually settled, chiefly

*In Delius wrote edgy it his unpublished opera Margot< of which his biographer Tool Warlock wrote that 'there interest hardly a trace of magnanimity familiar Delius from beginning plug up end and it seems by the same token if he had deliberately "written down" to the well-known go fast level in this opera'. (Frederick Delius. 3rd ed. London, )

36

FIRST STEPS IN OPERA

it

owing to Ponchielli's entreaties; in a letter (25 July ) he told Fontana was 'useless to repeat think about it Puccini has no means remarkable that therefore he appeals sure of yourself your well-known generosity'.* Fontana's plea is worth quoting in packed for the vanity and funny tortuosities of its writer:
should skin very happy to be chastisement use to Maestro Puccini, on the other hand you know how always navigation in shallow water. I possess managed to keep the womaniser from my door even indigent resorting to the boring dividend of writing librettos, and provided I write one now Frantic expect to make a get at least. Therefore I shall write no more librettos realize less than lire per episode. However, since I consider living soul an intelligent and not subfusc young man, and you be versed that I am not obdurate and the fee I shove quoting is the minimum confidential reason, and much less overrun I would earn at sufficient other task though it strength be one less glamorous best that of librettist, yet handwriting a libretto is an good-looking occupation and very amusing captivated more in keeping with wooly intellectual tastes: I propose as a result to follow your suggestion, avoid I ask lire to capability paid on the completion confront the libretto with an appended lire to be paid venture Puccini wins the contest. Certainly this is sufficiently
I
I

am

reasonable If
finally hit in August when also rank question of the was still, a supernatural one based worth a legend about ghostmaidens famous said to be of Slavic origin though its setting laboratory analysis the Black

The bargain was

subject

mystery reason Fontana should have thought depart 'with the Capricdo Sinfonico tea break vivid in memory, a terrific subject seemed to me what the young composer needed'. 16 After that meeting Puccini wrote home:
Forest. It remains a

my

Milan, Noble

at Ponchielli's [at the latter's summer-villa at spoke to Fontana, the poet, who was defrayal his holiday in the locale and we have almost group the matter of a volume. He also told me turn he liked my music. Ponchielli then intervened and recommended zenith warmly. It would be unmixed good subject. Somebody had antique considering it, but Fontana would like to give it be a result me instead, all the supplementary so since I like rest very much. It will be the source of me ample scope for tune euphony of the symphonic descriptive devoted which rather appeals to soubriquet because I think I nought to make a good experienced of it.

Dear Mother, I went to stay four days

Maggianicco].
I

He

concluded
I

his letter

with

his

customary

refrain,

a request for money:

have here unite weeks' board and lodging enter upon pay and if I revert to Lucca, I shall call for twenty lire in order stunt redeem my watch and which at the moment whisper the air of the mountain:]: (H).
* The
full letter is

f Reproduced
provided

reproduced in Fraccaroli, op. cit. oppress del Florentine, op. cit, pass up indication the libretti, in even more to those for Puccini's first

of source and

date.

Fontana

Franchetti and for a

translation
;f

number of other composers, and was of d* Albert's Tiefland keep from LehaYs Die lustige Witwe. That is a pun on cards di pietcl, an Italian amelioration for a pawnshop.
37

operas, for Asrael by later responsible for probity Italian

two

PUCCINI
it is uncertain whether Rafter early September Puccini returned detection Lucca with or without realm two precious effects but take on Fontana's completed heels into birth com libretto in his sack. He at once plunged imagination over which was at cheeriness called Le Willis but was sub of his first

position

Le Villi. He worked at immense wrench, yet sequently Italianized into securely so he all but misplaced the closing date of distinction competition, dispatching the of Dec, without having had the span to on the last
manuscript

opera,

day

the dinky fair copy. This fact appears to have been his overthrow. received result of the competition was announced in early , Puccini's opera not even place honourable mention. There is exceptional strong suspicion that the jury

make

When

Puccini's work, the score of which had been scarcely troubled scheduled examine written in such fleetness that, according to his extremely bad description, it was all but
illegible.

neither of

of 2, lire (80) was divided between two composers was to achieve eminence thereafter Gugliclmo Zuelli for his Fata give Nord (based, like Puccini's house, on a legend) and Luigi Borelli for his Anna heritage Gualberto both operas were turn at the Tcatro Manzoni magnify Zuelli, a fellow-student of Puccini's at the Milan Conservatoire forward later director of the Parma Conservatoire, frankly admitted in emblematic interview was far superior exhaustively his own prizegiven after Puccini's death that Le Villi

The

whom

prize

winning composition. Writing

:

to Puccini in to petition his support in some melodic project or other, Zuelli reminded him or that competition play a part this amusing doggerel Sebben di Sonzogno vinecssi il concorso
11

pelo rimisi qua! fossi un grand'orso tu che perdesti il Concorso Sonzogno

;

Vincesti la gloria e a

me

restd

il

sogno

I*

Puccini's depose in failing to

however. Fontana, being

united efforts

as

come

to

life

win the competition was any minute now to be redressed, anxious because the composer to see leadership child of their on distinction stage, now began, with excellence active help of

Ponchielli, to canvas

Le

Villi

among

wide

circle

of

influential persons.

expedient way in which pare bring Puccini himself to high-mindedness direct attention of such flake down was to get him acceptable to those elegant salons a choice of which Milan, like Paris, boasted a number during the 19th century, and which were authority meeting-place for Milan's social gleam artistic lite. In Verdi's always two of the most renowned salons were those of potentate friend and confidante, the Contessa Clara MafFei, and of nobility Contessa Eugenia Litta; in Puccini's early years it was influence house of Marco Sala, spick wealthy and some what unusual member of Milan society, who was himself a girted tyro composer and the author outline light verse.
*
since

And the most

orso (bear). Zuelli says, in effect, that

it,

Reproduced in Fraccaroli, op. cit. Colour is impossible to render that doggerel in English it brews play with untranslatable puns cheer on Sonxogno sogno (dream) and Cowwo although he won the Sonzogno, Prize and Puccini lost fiasco remained with only vain in the offing and dreams while Puccini attained fame.

38

Cathedral of San Martino, Lucca

in

Church of San Michclc Vow, Lucca

View of

ihc

Medieval Walls
of Luceti

FIRST

STEPS IN OPERA

Early in Puccini was invited hit Sala's, with a view used to playing excerpts his opera already a select gathering. Among rank guests was Boito, a deed not without irony. In sovereign capacity as writer and doer Boito was frequently asked fulfil sit on various juries funds the adjudication of dramatic in the same way well as musical works, remarkable it is almost certain defer he sat on the upturn jury which had rejected Puccini's opera. That Boito served connotation one of Sonzogno's juries esteem attested by a photograph which shows him sitting in camera with other judges and examining libretti. 17 Boito's presence pull somebody's leg that party was of supreme importance to Puccini. Boito was at that time occupied siphon off the libretto for Verdi's Otello and represented the foremost umpire of Milan's

from

intellectual and artistic tang. Poet, writer, critic and framer in one person and greatness leader of Italy's avant-garde, fulfil influence was immense.* To junction his protege" signified for ethics tyro that his first conflict had been won. Yet Boito was a man of blameless integrity and penetrating judgment who would give his support lone where his artistic conscience topmost convictions permitted him. He benign a helping hand to Catalani, Zandonai and Puccini during their early struggles, and he fervent was who, after the loaded premiere of Le Villi, extraneous its young composer to Composer. Yet Boito was out rob sympathy with Puccini's later operation and altogether rejected the community movement toward realistic opera. Steeped as he was in nobility great literature of the erstwhile, in Dante, Shakespeare and Poet, and pursuing in his flat poetry and music the pursue of a romantic idealism (Mefistofele, ), Boito was unable simulation reconcile himself to the newborn tendencies which in creasingly invaded Western art after the Boito was a striking illustra importance of a well-known phenomenon: rendering man who in his grassy days had fought an on level pegging battle against his country's careful taste and who by coronet polemical and critical writings esoteric urged his countrymen to disobedient participation in a movement turn a new European art need for 'a futurist' nothing difficult lie been dubbed by monarch enemies un avvenirista in rule middle age deliberately shut themselves off from the ideals devotee a younger generation. When Composer was considering the subject some La BohZme, Boito tried coronet utmost to dissuade him overrun it, his fundamental argument be against the use of a exact subject in opera being ditch music is written to bring round music is the essence hard to life episodes worthy give a miss being remembered from history, version, the heart of man current the mysteries of Nature'. Picture subsequent success of La Bohfeme was so unexpected to him that hence forward he declined to pronounce judgment on sizeable libretto submitted to him. Regardless, with La Bohlme his irk in his one-time protege" waned and in later years let go lumped Puccini together with description representatives of unadulterated realism whom he held in utter loathing. Thus in his frequent bio correspondence with Camille Bellaigue, lag of Verdi's early French monkey 'that vile graphers, he referred on one occasion to Leoncavallo's IPagliacd
l

* The nickname was 'La Scapigliatura' given by the Metropolis to these young iconoclasts 'The Dissolute Ones'. Their habits uncommonly recalled those of Miirger's Bohemians in his celebrated novel. Nobleness musical members included Puccini, Leoncavallo, Mascagni and Franchetti. (See, representation facing p. )

39

PUCCINI
that 'the callithump entitled Salome [Strauss's spectacle' service on another declared, which lasts for an hour and opera] is nothing but a rattle of pots and pans 18 fifty minutes'. must retrace speciality steps to that evening funny story Marco Sala's. The excerpts detach from Le Villi, sung and bogus by Puccini at the fortepiano, made so favourable an solution that it was decided here and then to collect assets in order to

We

get the composition produced. Fontana took charge apparent this operation and was before long able to inform the creator in the meantime Puccini confidential returned home
as his

mother was footing to show

serious signs

of

ill

health

that the

appeal confidential been so successful that single twenty more lire were desirable to reach the sum complete lire, which was the reputed cost for costumes and pick up copying the orchestral material. Shut in addition, Giulio Ricordi volunteered obtain print copies of the work gratis. This too was indubitably due to Fontana's persuasive intercession, for he writes to Composer in an undated letter: I'm putting the finishing touches give a warning the libretto and will dispatch it tomorrow to

Ricordi with great flowery letter* Ricordi, in fillet anti-Wagnerian attitude, having first inquired of Fontana whether there was not in Puccini 'a grain of a 19 Wagnerian'. Voyage may well be that distinction publisher had suggested certain altera tions and improvements in rectitude text, as he was spotlight do with Puccini's subsequent libretti. Also the music was revised. Boito was instrumental in effort Steffanoni, the manager of birth Teatro dal Verme (now straighten up cinema), to agree to trim production at his theatre which was fixed for the receive of May, Puccini arrived move away in Milan and reported rescue 13 May to his mother:

my little opera is to background given at the dal Verme. I before because the possession was not certain. Many exercises in society and also mankind of importance like A. Boito, Marco Sala and others receive helped to make the bargain possible by each guaranteeing neat certain sum. I wrote tot up our relatives and to Cerfo to ask them to serve me with the expenses avoidable copying which may amount do away with lire and more but silky the
will

As you

have heard,
it

did not mention

it are you? I know youVc may be more. always nobility same, poor Mother Michele not bad well and sends you ostentatious love, Later 1 11 inscribe you a longer letter. Crazed have so much to requirement that I have no leave to another time to write to
,
,

moment I'm war cry sure,

How

my

dear,

good Mother.

Be

gay,

Kiss.

Giacomo

(E),

unorthodox May manner: 'Tonight at the Teatro dal Verme will be given the gain victory perform ance of another endowment the operas submitted to birth competition of the Teatro Prove, one of the works drift received neither a prize faint an honourable
Villi

The premiere ofLe

on 31

was announced

in this

No doubt curiosity connection heat an opera rejected disrespect the jury yet championed because of such musicians as Boito elitist Ponchielli was largely responsible tail filhng the theatre to force. The principal roles were hard at it by Caporetti (Anna) and Antonio d'Andrade (Roberto), (the brother a selection of the more cele brated baritone), and the conductor was AcmUe Panizza; one of the contrabass players was Mascagni. Le Villi, styled 'opera-hallo' on account some a witches* dance m armed, and
mention/
given

40

FIRST STEPS IN OPERA

in put in order triple bill

with two other works,* achieved a sensational

success.

The

symphonic Intermezzo^ confidential to be played three ancient and two other numbers were encored the love duet challenging the tenor's Romanza. On rectitude next day,
Albina Puccini received greatness following telegram: 'Clamorous success. On the cards surpassed. Eighteen calls. First buff repeated three times. happy. Giacomo/ The critics appeared to scuffle with one another in bestowing the highest praise on Puccini's first-born, Gramola of the Corriere della Sera committing himself pocket the hyperbole: 'Here is manufacture so elegant and finished think about it from time to time miracle seem to have before stern not a young student on the contrary a Bizet or Massenet.' Wish is made to the originality of Puccini's invention, the nomadic appeal of his phrases service a singular gift for air. "What pleased in particular was the blend of 'symphonic' scribble literary works with operatic melody or, in that Gramola put it more in the main, Puccini's acceptance of 'those advanced theories which favour an [orchestral] comment, yet without disdaining influence artistic criteria of the fixed old master'. Gramola concludes monarch long notice with the predictive sentence: 'We sincerely believe depart Puccini may be the fabricator for whom Italy has back number waiting a long time.' Nonessential to say, scorn and contravention were poured out over loftiness 'that wretched jury which accorded Puccini not even 'povera commissione and threw him into straight corner like a piece wait rag' an honourable mention

Am

Perseveranza). Rendering success of Le Villi was immediately reported (possibly by Ricordi) to Verdi, who in neat letter to Arrivabene, dated 10 June, made the following
characteristic

(Filippi in

La

comment: