Reflecting on Giacomo Puccini: The Composer’s Last Days in Brussels, 1924

Brussels (Eurotoday Newspaper): Giacomo Puccini, the famous Italian composer, died on November 29, 1924, in Brussels at age 65 from complications of throat cancer surgery. He was working on his final opera, Turandot, during his treatment at a clinic. His funeral attracted many people and was filmed for European cinemas.

Giacomo Puccini, the renowned composer of operas like “La Bohème” and “Tosca,” was in Brussels working on “Turandot” when he passed away 100 years ago. In 1924, he moved there for throat cancer treatment and stayed at what is now known as Hotel Puccini. Despite being a famous figure, he mostly kept to himself. During his time in the city, he is said to have attended a performance of his opera “Madama Butterfly,” but had to leave before the end due to his illness.

What were Giacomo Puccini’s final days in Brussels before he died in 1924? 

Giacomo Puccini chose Dr. Leroux, a well-known doctor for his treatment, and spoke to the newspaper Le Soir about his hopes for recovery, saying he loved the city. After a major operation on November 24, he faced complications and died from a heart attack on November 29. The clinic where he died is now an apartment complex, but there is a plaque that honors his memory.

Giacomo Puccini’s funeral was held at the Royal Church of St. Mary in Schaerbeek, attracting many people. It was a state funeral, and the ceremony was filmed for cinemas across Europe. Conductor Arturo Toscanini played music from Puccini’s opera ‘Edgar’. Afterward, Puccini’s body was taken to Milan for temporary burial, and in 1926, he was moved to the Museo Villa Puccini. The village of Torre del Lago, where he lived, was renamed Torre del Lago Puccini in 1938 in his honor. Puccini died just weeks before he turned 66, leaving his last opera ‘Turandot’ unfinished, Franco Alfano later completed it.