Puccini: Golden Girl Of The West, Una Partita A Poker

In November 1910, Puccini set sail for America for the premiere of The Golden Girl of the West, the first world premiere ever held at the Metropolitan Opera House. No expense had been spared. The cast included Emmy Destinn and Enrico Caruso, and was conducted by Toscanini. To all appearances the opera was a triumphant success, with the composer receiving 55 curtain calls, but the critics were guarded. Although Puccini declared it his best opera to date, it failed to enter the general repertory; nor until late in the century did it estimate at its true worth.