Puccini's La Fanciulla del West

The Girl of the Golden West, An Italian Three-Act Melodrama

Aug 12, 2008

La Fanciulla del West (The Girl of the Golden West), an Italian melodrama by Puccini: opera plot synopsis, character description, and other Puccini opera information.

Giacomo Puccini (December 22, 1858 – November 29, 1924) composed La Fanciulla del West (The Girl of the Golden West), a three-act Italian melodrama. Libretto was written by Guelfo Civinini and Carlo Zangarini based on the play by David Belasco.

It was premiered in New York City, Metropolitan Opera Association, December 10, 1910. The setting is in a mining camp at the foot of the Cloudy Mountains in California from 1849 to 1850.

This opera was written by Puccini to please his American fans. It is the most modern of his operas, often considered an oddity in his work. La Fanciulla del West is a lyrical opera set among gold miners in the American West. Musically, it represents a fast-paced narrative accompanied by continuous music, except for the arias. Famed conductor Arturo Toscanini conducted the successful New York premiere.

Character Roles of La Fanciulla del West

Plot Summary / Synopsis of La Fanciulla del West

Act 1. Inside the "Polka" Bar

It is the end of the day and as usual the miners go to the Polka bar to unwind. Sheriff Rance breaks up a miner's fight, and reminds Minnie that he loves her. Meantime, the agent of the Wells Fargo company, Ashby, is after Ramerrez and his band of outlaws. A stranger, Dick Johnson, arrives. He and Minnie have met before and she intervenes with the miners when they demand to know his plans. When Minnie dances with Johnson, Rance is furious. Johnson is actually Ramerrez, but the miners don't know this. One of the Johnson's bandits alerts him they are outside waiting to rob the bar. But Johnson has fallen for Minnie. She is concerned about the gold the miners leave with her for safekeeping, but Johnson promises her it will be safe. She invites him Johnson to visit her.

Act 2. Inside Minnie's Cabin

Johnson is received by Minnie in her home, and she tells him about her life and the lovers kiss, her first kiss. Overcome by the knowledge of his secret, Johnson tries to leave but is prevented by the snow. Pistol shots and voices are heard. Rance arrives on the trail of Ramerrez. Minnie hides Johnson, and is shocked to learn that Johnson is Ramerrez. Minnie sends Rance away before she confronts Johnson. "I would never have robbed you," Johnson swears, explaining he has changed. He leaves and is shot. Minnie hides him. Rance comes back looking for Ramerrez, and is about to admit defeat when a drop of blood from the ceiling reveals Johnson's hiding place. Minnie offers to play poker with Rance. "If you win," she says, "I am yours; but if you lose, Johnson goes free." Minnie wins by cheating, Rance keeps his word.

Act 3. A Mining Camp on a Forest Clearing

Rance is disgusted that Minnie loves Johnson. Ashby, hot on the trail of Johnson, catches him after an extended chase and delivers him up to the sheriff. Nick rushes off to get Minnie. The men call for Johnson's death, accusing him of robbery which he admits, and murder which he denies. Johnson accepts his sentence, but asks the men to let Minnie think he escaped. He is about to be hanged when Minnie arrives, draws and pistol and reminds the miners everything she has done for them. Rance tries to proceed, but Minnie wins the miners over. They release Johnson and bid the pair a tearful goodbye.

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