Set near Nagasaki at the beginning of the last century, "Madame Butterfly" boldly explored the social and moral limits of intercultural relationships. Goto's crafting reflects the opera's journey from hope to despair.
Regarding performance of this arrangement, the vigorous introductory fugue on "E Soffitto - E Pareti" suggests an almost strident sense of urgency; use the accents. Entering voices should be assertive, yet balanced to. Rehearsal letter F is lighter, with a pizzicato background. The "Humming Choir" at Moderato mosso (#74) works without vibrato, except perhaps for oboe. "Un bel di vedremo"(#123) accompaniment should blend into the soft-malleted marimba. From #131 to its conclusion, rubato and emotion cannot be overemphasized. The tragic Largo (#155), with its resounding percussive climax, is resolved by a lighter, more motioned "Addio, Fiorito Asil"(#161). Concluding measures still present a strongly restless appeal, marked by the plaintive, deliberate horn call at #190.