Madama Butterfly
Pinkerton, a dashing officer in the United
States Navy, is infatuated with the 15-year-old Butterfly, aware of herfragility, but "not content with life unless he makes his treasure the flowers on every shore. "He says, as he compares her to a butterfly, "I must pursue her even though I damage her wings." The stage is setfortragedy.
Stephanie Hughes presents Puccini's popular masterpiece.
New York Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra, conductor Placido Domingo Act
7.25 The Met Opera Quiz Brian Zeger puts listeners' questions to Martin Bernheimer , Cori Ellison and Paul Thomason. Send questions to Met Opera Quiz, FDR Station, PO Box 805, New York, NY 10150 or via www.bbc.co.uk/radio3.
7.45 Opera Snaps Puccini scholar
Alexandra Wilson asks if the gloriously sensuous love music of Madama Butterfly was a heartfelt response to intense passion or an insincere creation written by and for a notorious womaniser.
7.55 Acts 2 and 3