Music and Italy

Giaccomo Puccini is one of Italy's most beloved and famous composers of opera. Tosca, Madam Butterfly, La Boheme and Turandot, from which Nessun Dorma has become internationally familiar to all that hear it, are among some of his greatest works, sung here by another of Italy's greatest contributions to the musical world -- Luciano Pavrotti, the Italian responsible for bringing opera to the masses.

The tarantella has become synonomous with Italy as much for it's lively and recognizable music construct as for the dance that traditionally accompanies it. In fact, it's hard to say which came first, the music or the dance. When you hear one, you're listening to Italy's heartbeat.