Born in Lucca, Italy and steeped in operatic tradition, Giacomo Puccini created operas that showcased a brilliance that made him a worthy successor to Verdi. In his talk, Professor Gil Harel will analyze the celebrated opera Madama Butterfly (1904), one of Puccini's most famous works. The Italian opera tells the story of B.F. Pinkerton (American) who marries Cio-Cio-san (Japanese). The result is a sublime score filled with worldly influences, pentatonic music, and rich melodies that frame a heartbreaking story of…