Turandot
to
Palau de la Música Catalana C/ Palau de la Música 4-6, 08003 Barcelona
Image courtesy of Palau de la Música
Turandot, Puccini's posthumous opera and his great masterpiece, is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic titles in the entire operatic repertoire.
Very popular for its spectacular nature, it leaves Puccinian verismo far behind to delve into a drama set in China. In a terrorized empire, the cruel princess Turandot condemns to death her numerous suitors, who do not solve the three riddles that she proposes to them and who, despite almost certain death, go to Beijing. Prince Calaf, seeing the beauty and power of Turandot, decides to accept the challenge. From the moment he sees her, he falls in love with her and is willing to risk everything to win her heart. Calaf solves the three riddles, but Turandot refuses to marry him. The prince offers her a way out, telling her that if she finds out his name before dawn, he will accept death. With the help of the slave Liù, Calaf keeps his name a secret until the end.
This complicated and enigmatic story is served with majestic and spectacular music, which includes the aria “Nessun dorma,” one of the most acclaimed in the entire operatic repertoire, but also other outstanding musical moments such as the arias “In questa reggia” and “Tú che di gel sei tape.”
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