Puccini’s Generosity Revealed in the Roundness of His ‘P’
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n front of Puccini’s birthplace in the small Italian town of Lucca, the production notebook Tosca – Copia di lavoro del libretto offers a rare opportunity to analyze the composer’s handwriting. Puccini’s script goes beyond mere musical directions—it reveals how he designed emotional currents and dramatic tension in his operas.
Notes like “pezzo in sol minore” (a passage in G minor) and “dolcissimo mortuo” (sweetly, as if dead) testify to his sensitivity and acute emotional perception.
A comprehensive analysis of his signature and handwriting structure reveals a man who was highly intuitive and emotionally attuned, yet simultaneously impulsive and deeply protective of others. Notably, the generous roundness of the loop in his letter ‘P’ signals protectiveness and generosity—qualities reflected in his deep affection for his son Antonio and his generous financial support for assistants, drivers, and collaborators.
In contrast, the deeply descending loop of the letter ‘y’ suggests sensual imagination and a materialistic streak. Puccini was indeed known for his romantic affairs and luxurious lifestyle, owning yachts, high-end cars, and villas.
The upward-right tilt of the dot on the letter ‘i’ also deserves attention. It indicates spontaneity and intuition, aligning with Puccini’s preference to follow emotional flow over rigid logic when composing. This is evident in scenes like the aria “Che gelida manina” in La Bohème or the silence that follows Scarpia’s death in Tosca.
Finally, the resemblance of the letter ‘m’ to a ‘u’ implies hypochondriac tendencies—an anxious concern for health. Puccini was, in fact, known to be psychologically preoccupied with physical ailments.
Ultimately, Puccini’s handwriting reflects an artist of sharp emotional sensitivity and intuitive brilliance, shaped by inner complexity and impulsive traits.
Chosun Ilbo, May 20, 2025