Il Trittico

This Triptych is perhaps the only work in the operatic canon to resemble the novella in the literary sphere. Nothing seems to unite these three utterly different moments other than their very dissimilarity and Puccini's determination to ensure the clash of contrasts: a drama of banal jealousy unrelieved by any transcendence, a mystical and supernatural tragedy, a macabre and brilliant opera buffa. What can the banks of the Seine in early 20th century Paris have in common with an 18th century convent and mediaeval Florence? A memory of Dante, perhaps... the hell that is ever beneath our feet and human nature that is the same always and everywhere. Puccini's beloved intimism is shattered, showering its reflections on all sides: here, in three shards, is the great theatre of the world. Musical director Philippe Jordan conducts this rare monument to Puccini's genius in Luca Ronconi's staging.