Tempo in the Soprano Arias of Puccini's La Bohème, Tosca, and Madame Butterfly

Difficulties in establishing tempos for Puccini's soprano arias arise from the lack of markings in some cases, ambiguous or impractical markings in others, doubts about the authorship of some markings, and wide variations in tempo among recorded performances. This study seeks to establish the originally intended tempos for these operas. By examining Puccini's autographs, the first edition vocal scores, and many early recordings - especially those by the sopranos or conductors who worked with the composer or performed the arias during Puccini's lifetime - it establishes tempos that conform to Puccini's musical and dramatic intentions. Additional sources include the commentaries of Luigi Ricci, Puccini's rehearsal pianist; contemporaneous and contemporary commentaries; and current scholarship.