ABOUT MAESTRO PUCCINI, A CRYING GEISHA, AND THE UNFINISHED TURANDOT

Abstract. The article is dedicated to the hundredth anniversary since the death of the famous opera composer Giacomo Puccini, caused by laryngeal cancer. First of all, the factors that probably contributed to the development of laryngeal cancer are analyzed: excessive smoking, stress, and physical trauma. The methods of treatment used in oncology in the early twentieth century are critically examined. The article also highlights the friendly relations and fruitful cooperation between maestro Puccini and Ukrainian opera singer Solomiya Krushelnytska.