PUCCINI, GIACOMO. - Composer and conductor, b. at Lucca on 22 Dec. 1858, d. at Brussels on 19 Nov. 1924. He descended from a family of Lucchese musicians.
His great-grandfather Giacomo (1721-81) was an organist, a composer of sacred music and director of the chapel of the Cathedral. 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. did his first studies in his native city, where he produced some motets that were well received. Through the munificence of Queen Margherita he was able to attend the Conservatory of Milan, where he perfected himself under Bazzini and Ponchielli. In 1884 he made his debut with Le Villi, which enjoyed a happy success; Edgar did not please, but he soon recovered with Manon, which was followed by La Bohème, Madama Butterfly, La Fanciulla del West, the triptych Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi, Il Tabarro. Death overtook him at the last pages of Turandot, which F. Alfano completed following the traces of the author's notes. He also wrote a solemn Mass for 4 voices with orchestra, the Inno a Roma, a few cantatas and two pieces for small orchestra.