Madame Butterfly: An Opera in Three Acts

Madame Butterfly is a three-act opera by Giacomo Puccini, with an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. The story is based on the 1898 short story "Madame Butterfly" by John Luther Long, which was in turn based on the 1887 story "Madame Chrysanthème" by Pierre Loti. The opera tells the story of a young Japanese woman named Cio-Cio-San who falls in love with an American naval officer named B. F. Pinkerton.

The opera was first performed at La Scala in Milan on February 17, 1904. It was not a critical or commercial success at first, but it gradually gained popularity and is now one of the most frequently performed operas in the world.

Madame Butterfly, An Opera in Three Acts: For Solo, Chorus and Orchestra with English and Italian Text (Choral Score) (Kalmus Edition)

by Iron Maiden

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11830 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	56 pages

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Plot

The opera is set in Nagasaki, Japan, in the early 20th century. Cio-Cio-San is a young Japanese woman who is sold into marriage to B. F. Pinkerton, an American naval officer. Pinkerton is stationed in Nagasaki for two years, and during that time he and Cio-Cio-San fall in love. However, Pinkerton must eventually return to America, and he promises Cio-Cio-San that he will come back for her.

Cio-Cio-San waits for Pinkerton for three years, but he never returns. In the meantime, she gives birth to his son, whom she names Trouble. Cio-Cio-San eventually learns that Pinkerton has married an American woman, and she is heartbroken. She kills herself with a knife, and Pinkerton arrives just in time to see her die.

Characters

• Cio-Cio-San (Madame Butterfly): A young Japanese woman who falls in love with B. F. Pinkerton.
• B. F. Pinkerton: An American naval officer who falls in love with Cio-Cio-San but eventually leaves her for another woman.
• Suzuki: Cio-Cio-San's faithful servant.
• Goro: A marriage broker who arranges Cio-Cio-San's marriage to Pinkerton.
• Sharpless: An American consul who tries to help Cio-Cio-San.
• Prince Yamadori: A wealthy Japanese nobleman who wants to marry Cio-Cio-San.
• Trouble: Cio-Cio-San and Pinkerton's son.

Music

The music of Madame Butterfly is known for its beauty and emotional power. The opera contains some of Puccini's most famous arias, including "Un bel dì vedremo" (One fine day we will see),"Coro a bocca chiusa" (Humming Chorus),and "Addio, fiorito asil" (Farewell, flowery land).

The opera's music is also notable for its use of Japanese melodies and harmonies. Puccini was inspired by the Japanese music he heard during his travels to Japan, and he incorporated some of these elements into the opera's score.

Legacy

Madame Butterfly has had a profound impact on the world of opera. The opera has been performed countless times around the world, and it has been adapted into several films and television shows. The opera's music has also been used in popular culture, including in films such as "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Apocalypse Now."

Madame Butterfly is a timeless masterpiece that continues to move and inspire audiences around the world. The opera's story of love, loss, and sacrifice is one that resonates with people of all cultures.

Additional Resources

• Metropolitan Opera: Madame Butterfly
• Royal Opera House: Madame Butterfly
• Los Angeles Opera: Madame Butterfly

Madame Butterfly, An Opera in Three Acts: For Solo, Chorus and Orchestra with English and Italian Text (Choral Score) (Kalmus Edition)

by Iron Maiden

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	11830 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	56 pages

FREE