PUCCINI, GIACOMO. - Composer, b. at Lucca on 22 Dec. 1858, d. at Brussels on 19 Nov. 1924. He descended from a family of musicians from Lucca.
His great-grandfather Giacomo (1721–81) was an organist, composer of sacred music, and director of the cathedral chapel. Equally celebrated masters were his grandfather Domenico and his uncle Antonio, as well as his father Michele, who wrote much sacred and secular music. G. P. pursued his first studies in his native city, where he presented several motets that were well received. Through the generosity of Queen Margherita, he was able to attend the Milan Conservatory, where he perfected his training under Bazzini and Ponchielli. In 1884 he made his debut with Le Villi, which met with gratifying success; Edgar was not well received, but he soon recovered with Manon, followed by La Bohème, Madama Butterfly, La Fanciulla del West, and the triptych Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi, Il Tabarro. Death overtook him at the last pages of Turandot, which F. Alfano completed on the basis of the author’s notes. He also wrote a Messa solenne for four voices and orchestra, the Inno a Roma, several cantatas, and two pieces for small orchestra.