Manon Lescaut, Opera in Four Acts

Giacomo Puccini is one of the greatest masters of opera art. The opera Manon Lescaut marks the beginning of his great success (he wrote 12 operas). The opera is related to an important period of his life: Puccini fell in love with Elvira Bonturi, who was married, but at that time the Catholic church did not permit divorce; regardless of that, Elvira decided to live with Puccini, and her two sons. The story of Manon Lescaut and the Cavalier de Griaux, told in the novel of Abbot Prevost, attracted him with the similiarity to his own life and love for Elvira. The love, which overcomes all prejudices. The same plot was presented by Daniell Auber and Julles Masenet in the popular back then opera Manon. Puccini did not give up though. Manon Lescaut had an exceptional success. The Orchestra Intermezzo in Act II is a beautiful, mastery musical picture, performed independently.