Giacomo Puccini - Il Trittico - Warner Music Group Germany

Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

Il Tabarro:
Parisian bargeman Michele and his wife Giorgettaa tell of their monotonous lives. Unknown to Michele, Luigi a penniless stevedore, is Giorgetta's lover. The lovers plan one last meeting using their normal'all clear' signal - Giorgetta striking a match. Michele, sad that his wife no longer loves him, lights his pipe. Luigi mistakes this for Giorgetta's signal. Michele guessing what has happened, forces Luigi to confess and strangles him, hiding his body beneath the cloak in which he used to affectionately wrap his wife. When Giorgetta reappears, to her horror the face of her dead lover is revealed.

Suor Angelica:
As a grand coach arrives at the convent door, Suor Angelica, once a noble princess, but now disgraced, hopes that the visitor may bring news of her family. It is her aunt, the Principessa, who asks her to renounce her inheritance and tells her that her ilegitimate son is dead. Angelica collapses with grief. She takes poison and begs for mercy of the Blessed Virgin, who appears accompanied by a small boy who walks towards the dying Suor Angelica.

Gianni Schicchi:
The setting is thirteenth century Florence. Buoso Donati has just died and is surrounded by avaricious relatives who pretend to mourn him. They discover that Buoso has left his wealth to a monastery. Gianni Schicchi is summoned to help. Rinuccio wishes to marry Schicci's daughter, Lauretta, but is unable to do so without any money. Lauretta swears she will commit suicide. Alarmed, the crafty Gianni Schicchi devises a plan. He impersonates Buoso and dictates a new will, announcing that the disputed properties are all to go to Gianni Schicchi!