Puccini: Il tabarro, SC 85

Experience the raw power and dramatic intensity of Giacomo Puccini's "Il tabarro" in this captivating live recording from the 2017-2018 season. This album, released on April 6, 2018, under the CapriccioNR label, offers a gripping performance of Puccini's one-act opera, showcasing the composer's mastery of verismo style. The story unfolds on the banks of the Seine, where a group of dockworkers and their families go about their daily lives, hiding secrets and passions that will ultimately lead to tragedy.

The stellar cast includes Franco Vassallo, Angelo Villari, and María José Siri, who deliver powerful performances under the skilled direction of Valerio Galli and the Orchestre du Mai Musical Florentin. The album features a series of arias and ensembles that highlight the opera's dramatic tension and musical richness, from the haunting "O Michele? Michele?" to the intense climax of "T'ho colto!" in just under an hour of breathtaking opera.

"Il tabarro" is the first opera in Puccini's triptych "Il trittico," and this live recording captures the immediacy and excitement of a live performance. The album's 49-minute duration is packed with Puccini's signature melodies and harmonies, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a seasoned opera fan or new to the genre, this recording of "Il tabarro" is sure to leave you spellbound.

Giacomo Puccini, born in the charming town of Lucca in 1858, is celebrated as one of the most renowned composers in the history of opera. Hailing from a family of musicians, Puccini's early works were steeped in the romantic traditions of Italian opera, but he soon became a leading figure in the verismo style, known for its gritty realism and emotional intensity. His operas, including the beloved "La Bohème," "Tosca," "Madama Butterfly," and the unfinished "Turandot," are renowned for their dramatic plots and deeply moving music. Puccini's untimely death in 1924 left the world in shock, but his legacy endures, with his works remaining staples of the operatic repertoire. His compositions continue to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing his unparalleled ability to blend passion, drama, and musical innovation.