“The Triptych” (“Il Trittico”) by Giacomo Puccini could be called opera’s favorite triple-feature. This isn’t surprising because it’s the only work of its kind. Certain operas are frequently performed on double bills, although they often were not written as such. There is, of course, Richard Wagner’s four-opera “Ring” cycle, which is so epic that the whole thing can’t be performed in one sitting.
“Il Trittico” ended up being the great verismo composer’s last completed work before his death in 1924. He originally envisioned it as a double bill, a tragedy and a comedy, but he eventually added a third one-act opera. The result was three masterful works: “The Cloak” (“Il Tabarro”), “Sister Angelica” (“Suor Angelica”), and “Gianni Schicchi.”
