EMI: 2154602

This 17 CD budget box set is one of four special albums being released by EMI Classics on 8 September 2008 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary on 22 December of the birth of Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924)

Puccini is one of today’s most popular operatic composers. His works dominate the programmes of the world’s leading opera houses, and his compositions are heard frequently on radio and television, in film soundtracks and in TV commercials.

All of Puccini’s popular operas are represented, including Manon Lescaut, La bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Turandot, as well as the less frequently heard titles La rondine, La fanciulla del West and Il trittico (Il tabarro, Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi). Also included are highlights from Le villi, an early work by Puccini that is almost never performed these days.

The recordings (all stereo) come from EMI’s unrivalled operatic catalogue and feature some of the greatest stars in the world of opera.