From the Archives: Giacomo Puccini

(Lucca, 22 December 1858 – Brussels, 29 November 1924)

Sketch in short score of the “humming chorus” from the composer’s opera Madama Butterfly. [Italy: 1903?]. MBM267. Donated by Bernard Herrman (1911-1975) in 1955.

Autograph manuscript of the ‘Humming Chorus’ from Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly, written in pencil, signed and inscribed “All' amico Cordara in ricordo G. Puccini”.  The two-page sheet, comprising a continuous sketched short score passage of forty bars, begins with the orchestral transition before the famous chorus which closes Act 2, and leads to the main melody of the chorus itself marked ‘(interno) bocca chiusa’.

This working draft manuscript sketch shows significant differences from the final version.  The memorable and atmospheric melody is hummed by the off-stage chorus when Butterfly and her maid Suzuki retire for the night, having adorned the house with flowers in preparation for Pinkerton’s return. Mosco Carner (in Puccini: a critical biography (1959), p.379) described the scene as “one of the most poetic in all opera.  This nocturne is as inspired a piece as ever sprang from the composer's head ... a melody instinct with the simplicity of folk-song”.

Madama Butterfly was first performed on 17 February 1904 at Teatro alla Scala in Milan.