Puccini's Turandot

Puccini's Turandot

Author: The Metropolitan Opera October 2, 2019 Duration: 14:20

In ancient China, a princess tests the worthiness of her suitors by posing a series of riddles—killing those who answer incorrectly—until a brave warrior proves he's up to the challenge. Learn more about Puccini's Turandot with our In Focus podcast, hosted by Met radio commentator and staff writer William Berger.


Behind the grand curtain and beyond the final bow, there’s a world of stories waiting to be told. The Met: In Focus is that rare backstage pass, a series that delves into the operatic masterpieces featured in the Metropolitan Opera's celebrated Live in HD cinema broadcasts. Guiding each episode is the knowledgeable and engaging William Berger, a familiar voice to Met audiences as a radio commentator and staff writer. He doesn't just present the plots; he unravels the rich tapestry of history surrounding each work and its composer, offering a deeper understanding of why these pieces endure. You’ll hear thoughtful analysis that connects the dramatic tension on stage to the musical genius in the pit, all brought to life with carefully selected audio excerpts from historic Met performances. This podcast is for anyone curious about the layers beneath the spectacle, whether you're a seasoned opera-goer or encountering these powerful stories for the first time. Tune in to discover the context, the creativity, and the sheer human drama that makes each production resonate, long after the last note has faded.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 17

The Met: In Focus
Podcast Episodes
Cilea's Adriana Lecouvreur [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:13
A passionate, larger-than-life stage actress vies with a conniving princess for the love of the same dashing count. Learn more about Cilea's Adriana Lecouvreur with our In Focus podcast, hosted by Met radio commentator a…
Verdi's La Traviata [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:54
Love. Heartbreak. Death. A classic tragedy and a classic opera. Learn more about Verdi's La Traviata with our In Focus podcast, hosted by Met radio commentator and staff writer William Berger.
Muhly's Marnie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:43
Theft, denial, deceit, and a captivating, enigmatic heroine. Learn more about composer Nico Muhly and librettist Nicholas Wright's new opera Marnie with our In Focus podcast, hosted by Met radio commentator and staff wri…
Puccini's La Fanciulla del West [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:07
A gun-slinging heroine. A romantic tale of the Wild West. The first great opera with an American setting. Learn more about Puccini's La Fanciulla del West with our In Focus podcast, hosted by Met radio commentator and st…
Saint-Saëns's Samson et Dalila [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:21
An immortal biblical tale. An underrated operatic masterpiece, with some of the repertory's most luscious and seductive music. Learn more about Samson et Dalila with our In Focus podcast, hosted by Met radio commentator…
Verdi's Aida [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:12
An epic Egyptian backdrop. An intimate love story. Some of Verdi's most stirring melodies and ensembles. Learn more about Aida with our In Focus podcast, hosted by Met radio commentator and staff writer William Berger.