Who was Giacomo Puccini?
Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) was an Italian composer of opera. He is often cited as one of the most influential and beloved opera composers of Italy, after Giuseppe Verdi. Giacomo Puccini composed a large number of operas during his lifetime, including the immensely popular Manon Lescaut (1893). His work continues to be widely performed in Italy and abroad, with many opera companies including at least one Giacomo Puccini opera in their seasonal repertory.