Originally inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy, Giacomo Puccini composed Gianni Schicchi as the third and final part of Il Trittico which was premiered at New York’s Metropolitan Opera in 1918.
SPO’s contemporary-set production sees the extended wealthy Donati family feigning grief over the patriarch, Buoso’s recent death but are more concerned for their own interests being reflected in the will.
Discovering their worst fears of being denied rich pickings such as ancestral property, a windmill and a mule(!), the family’s greed drives them to seek the assistance of local ‘wide boy’ Gianni Schicchi who recognises the fundamental emotion of greed can play directly into his hands.
This ‘simple’ tale of duplicity has all the makings of a dark thriller, but the genius of Puccini turns this tale into an hour of hilarious musical comedy.