Madama Butterfly

The Orient in Western Opera : Madama Butterfly

An Opera by Giacomo Puccini

24/3/2015   18:30

Moderator: RAÚL PISSARRA, FREDERICO RATO

Event conducted in Portuguese, simultaneous interpretation in Cantonese

Cocktail served

Free admission

Rui Cunha Foundation Gallery

The opera Madame Butterfly by the italian composer Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924)  has been since its debut in 1904 a permanent presence in the traditional repertoire, being one of the top preferences among opera lovers.

Belonging to the verista musical current, Madame Butterfly was the sixth opera of the composer, then considered the successor of Verdi. The music, with very beautiful melodies, some of which have become very famous,takes us to Japan, where a Japanese girl marries, according to the Japanese rites, an American naval officer stoping for a while in the country. The shock caused by the disregard for the other’s culture is the tragic structure drawnin this drama. The main character, a touching human being, has been the vehicle for large interpretations, included among the dozens and dozens of existing complete recordings.

Listening to and watching Madame Butterfly is one of the best experiences for someone  fond of the Italian melodrama.