Like a light in darkness, the music of Giacomo Puccini continues to brighten the world long after his death. Forced into a music career, Puccini resisted every effort to shape his future. He preferred to loaf, to pursue women, and to cavort with like-minded friends. However, Fate and a determined mother had other plans for him: He was destined for greatness. Success brings exhilarating rewards, and all of them came with La Boheme, Tosca, Madame Butterfly and Turandot. But success can also bring cold disappointment and intense pain. Giacomo Puccini discovered this to be true every day of his long and fascinating career.