Poster Minnesota Opera 'The Girl of the Golden West'
Claire Rutter (wearing red) as Minnie in the Minnesota Opera production of The Girl of the Golden West.
Michal Daniel
Minnesota Opera

Puccini gave us opera's Spaghetti Western

Giacomo Puccini's La fanciulla del West is based on the play, The Girl of the Golden West, by the American author David Belasco. If you were to see a production still of La fanciulla del West without any context, you might think you were looking at a photo from a production of Oklahoma! by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Puccini's story is set in a gold-mining frontier town, where a poker-playing, pistol-wielding saloon owner finds herself in a love triangle with a handsome outlaw and the sheriff who is in pursuit of the outlaw.

Given its Wild West setting and its Italian composer, one could say that La fanciulla del West is a precursor to cinema's "Spaghetti Western," a subgenre of Western films that emerged in the 1960s that were produced and directed by Italians. (Visit the Classical Notes blog to learn more about Giacomo Puccini.)

Listen to Classical MPR on Wednesday, March 9, at 8 p.m., to hear a broadcast of the Minnesota Opera's 2014 production of Puccini's La fanciulla del West. Until then, have a look at the opera's chorus, as well as a video from the Minnesota Opera that summarizes the story of La fanciulla del West.

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Minnesota Opera Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Minnesota Opera Episodes

Explore Minnesota Opera's 'La Boheme' with its cast

Explore Minnesota Opera's 'La Boheme' with its cast

In the Minnesota Opera’s season finale, ‘La Boheme,’ a group of friends and lovers in Paris find love and joy amid the hardship and struggle of a life in pursuit of art. Listen as host Bonnie North speaks to members of the cast about this exciting production!

13:43
Listen: Minnesota Opera blends dark comedy with social commentary in Mozart's 'Don Giovanni'
Listen: Explore Minnesota Opera's 'The Elixir of Love' with its cast

Listen: Explore Minnesota Opera's 'The Elixir of Love' with its cast

In the Minnesota Opera’s latest production, ‘The Elixir of Love,’ Nemorino, a young villager, uses a zesty elixir to try and win the heart of the beautiful Adina. Listen as host Bonnie North speaks to members of the cast about this exciting production and access on-demand audio from the concert now!

14:32
Listen: Minnesota Opera presents Donizetti’s romantic comedy ‘The Daughter of the Regiment’ 
2:24:28
Explore Minnesota Opera's 'Cruzar la Cara de la Luna' with its performers
Opera's in the air at the Minnesota State Fair

Opera's in the air at the Minnesota State Fair

Watch as Minnesota Opera baritone Andrew Wilkowske takes us for a ride on the Great Big Wheel at the Minnesota State Fair! Opera's in the air, with ‘Deh, Vieni Alla Finestra’ from Mozart's ‘Don Giovanni.’

Listen: Minnesota Opera performs Bizet's 'Carmen'

Listen: Minnesota Opera performs Bizet's 'Carmen'

Featuring some of the most popular music ever to grace the opera stage, Minnesota Opera’s ‘Carmen’ brings every aspect of Georges Bizet’s thrilling tale to life, from its tantalizing beginning to its devastating climax. Listen to audio from YourClassical MPR’s recent broadcast now.

Listen: Minnesota Opera performs Rossini's 'Barber of Seville'
2:35:26
Listen: Minnesota Opera performs Rossini's 'La Cenerentola'
Listen: Minnesota Opera brings 'Albert Herring' to life

Listen: Minnesota Opera brings 'Albert Herring' to life

After a year of no performances, tenor David Portillo returned to the stage in the spring for Minnesota Opera’s production of Benjamin Britten’s ‘Albert Herring.’ Listen now to YourClassical MPR’s encore broadcast of this remarkable production.

VIEW ALL EPISODES