Composer of the Week - Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) - Elvira

Puccini's elopement with one of his pupils, Elvira Gemignani, had lasting consequences. A married woman with two children, Elvira took a brave leap when she ran off with him. Having survived the ensuing scandal, the couple conducted their relationship in a fashion which, for most of their friends and colleagues, defied comprehension. Yet despite Puccini's frequent infidelities and her obsessive jealousy, they remained together until his death in 1924. Capriccio sinfonico (excerpts) Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Jacek Kaspszyk (conductor) Sola, perduta, abbandonata (Manon Lescaut, Act 4) Julia Varady (soprano) Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra Marcello Viotti (conductor) La boheme (Act 1) Mirella Freni (soprano) Luciano Pavarotti, Michael Senechal (tenors) Nicolai Ghiaurov (bass) Gianni Maffeo, Rolando Panerai (baritones) Berlin Philharmonic Choir and Orchestra Herbert von Karajan (conductor) Senza mamma, o bimbo (Suor Angelica) Julia Varady (soprano) Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra Marcello Viotti (conductor).