Turandots

Turandot is a famous opera in three acts by Giacomo Puccini. The opera is based on an earlier play by Carlo Gozzi, which in turn was inspired by a Persian collection of stories. The story is set in legendary China and tells the tale of Prince Calaf, who attempts to win the hand of the beautiful but cruel Princess Turandot. The princess has decreed that any suitor must answer three riddles correctly or face execution.

Prince Calaf is captivated by Turandot's beauty and accepts the challenge, despite the warnings of his father, Timur, and the slave girl Liù. He successfully answers all three riddles, but Turandot is reluctant to marry him. Calaf, in turn, proposes a counter-riddle: if Turandot can discover his name before dawn, he will forfeit his life. Turandot agrees, and her guards brutally extract the name from the populace. Liù, who is in love with Calaf, sacrifices herself to protect his secret.

Learning of Liù's death, Calaf confronts Turandot and kisses her, melting her icy heart. He reveals his name, giving her the power to defeat him. However, overcome by love, Turandot declares she knows his name and proclaims that he is the victor. The opera ends with their embrace. Puccini died before completing the final scene, which was later finished by Franco Alfano. Turandot is known for its dramatic intensity, exotic setting, and powerful music, including the famous aria "Nessun dorma."