This period is generally considered to span from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. While Puccini was born in 1858 and died in 1924, his most popular operas were composed between the 1890s and the 1910s, placing them firmly within this era.
Here's why Puccini is considered Late Romantic:
* Emphasis on Emotion: Like other Late Romantic composers, Puccini's music is highly emotional, often dealing with themes of love, loss, and tragedy. His operas are filled with passionate melodies, soaring vocals, and dramatic orchestral flourishes.
* Use of Orchestration: Puccini used a large orchestra to create a rich and colorful sound, making use of complex harmonies and innovative orchestration techniques.
* Influenced by Wagner: While not directly imitating Wagner, Puccini was influenced by the German composer's dramatic use of leitmotifs (recurring musical themes associated with characters or ideas).
However, Puccini also showed signs of foreshadowing the coming Modernist period. He experimented with new harmonies and rhythms, and his operas occasionally touched upon themes of realism and social commentary.
Overall, while Puccini belongs to the Late Romantic era, his music was complex and forward-looking, bridging the gap between the traditional and the modern.