The Puccini Problem

Focusing on the cultural contexts surrounding Puccini's music, this investigation sheds light on the composer's dual role as a symbol of both national pride and modernist innovation in late 19th and early 20th-century Italy. It delves into debates about his identity as a composer and the societal issues his operas engaged with, including gender and class dynamics. By addressing these themes, the study enhances our understanding of opera's evolution and the broader artistic landscape of the era.