Renata Scotto, Carlo Bergonzi, Eve Queler (1977) The two strike up tremendous chemistry which will carry over to other Puccini recordings, most notably their “Madama Butterfly.” There aren’t many offerings for Puccini’s first opera, but the most renowned is a solid effort by Puccini expert Scotto alongside frequent collaborator Domingo.

Placido Domingo, Renata Scotto, Leo Nucci, Lorin Maazel (1979) Here is a look at my personal favorites, the recordings I view as essential for anyone that wants one look at the greatest of each Puccini opera. Puccini composed a total of 10 operas (though the “Triticco” is composed of three) and they have been recorded numerous times over the past century.

The Italian composer is best known for his brilliant melodic invention and his operatic output, while relatively small when compared with the likes of Italian predecessors such as Verdi, Rossini or Donizetti, is among the most popular in the entire canon. Thursday December 22 is the 158 th birthday of one of the greatest opera composers of all time – Giacomo Puccini.

Puccini opera in victor victoria