Madama Butterfly

No other opera offers a more sublime death than that of Cio-Cio-san, the endearing heroine of Madama Butterfly. Puccini's marvellous music and the ultimate sacrifice of this passionate but neglected lover can only leave hearts of stone unmoved.

Delicacy and restraint define this tragedy in three acts. In the intimacy of a Japanese home, the hopes and pain of a young woman madly in love are expressed. The unspoken dramatic tension, compassion and pity are underlined by an extremely rich melodic line, discreetly punctuated by seven authentically Japanese melodies. The music is at the service of a sincere love and a scorned honour that lead to the final tragedy.
The ‘un bel di vedremo’, vibrant with love and trust, is the musical climax of the work.

Nagasaki, early 20th century. An American naval lieutenant, Pinkerton, marries a young geisha, Cio-Cio san, nicknamed Madame Butterfly. After he leaves, Butterfly waits faithfully for him, especially as she has had a son. Pinkerton returns three years later, but accompanied by his American wife. He wants to adopt the young boy. In despair and disgrace, Butterfly takes her own life.