Turandot

Puccini's "Turandot," a grand opera with music composed by Puccini and completed posthumously by Franco Alfano, premiered in 1926 to considerable acclaim for its powerful music and dramatic story. The Franco Zeffirelli production, recorded live at the Metropolitan Opera in April 1987, brought new visual grandeur and interpretation to the classic, featuring Éva Marton, Plácido Domingo, Leona Mitchell, Paul Plishka, and Hugues Cuenod under the baton of James Levine. Initially, the production was praised for its lavish staging and strong performances, contributing to its stature among opera enthusiasts. Over time, while "Turandot" itself has remained a staple of the operatic repertoire, the Zeffirelli production has been regarded as a classic interpretation, not merely a dated relic. It is cherished by fans of traditional opera productions but does not typically carry the label of a cult classic or underrated gem. Rather, its reputation as a definitive and lavish staging has solidified, appreciated especially by those who value grand, classical opera presentations.

Full Cast of Turandot