(1858-1924). 1: Lucca. Puccini was born in Lucca into an illustrious family of organists and church composers. While studyingwith Carlo Angeloni (one of his late father's pupils) atthe music institute in Lucca he began to compose, and his early works readily show that his interests were to lie in the theatre rather than the church. Presented by Donald Macleod. 0 Soave Fanciulla (La BOhème, Act 1) Angela Gheorghiu (soprano), Roberto Alagna (tenor), Royal Opera House Orchestra, conductor Richard Armstrong Gloria (Messa di Gloria )
Jose Carreras (tenor), Hermann Prey (baritone), Ambrosian Singers ,
Philharmonia, conductor Claudio Scimone Le Villi, Act 1 (excerpt) Nana Gordaze (soprano), Jose Cura (tenor),
Italian International Orchestra, conductor Bruno Aprea
Capriccio Sinfonico Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Riccardo Chailly Producer Johannah Smith