CCMusic.com

Puccini's Japanese tragedy Madama Butterfly is given a ravishing production by The Royal Opera. It's alluring imagery of Japan from the 19th-century European Imagination heightens the intense clash of East and West. When the American naval officer Pinkerton seduces the young 'Butterfly' Cio-Cio-San, he seems to promise every happiness - but his cruel abandonment leads to her tragic self-sacrifice. Antonio Pappano, Music Director of The Royal Opera and renowned for his interpretations of Puccini, conducts an exceptionally fine cast with the Royal Opera Chorus and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. Powerful performances show why Madama Butterfly remains one of the all-time operatic favourites. 'Always at his best in Puccini, Antonio Pappano conducts with passionate sincerity.' (The Guardian 5 Stars) 'An opera that ranks among the very greatest of the 20th century.' (The Daily Telegraph 4 Stars) 'Ermonela Jaho is the best Cio-Cio-San London has seen in years' (Independent 4 Stars)