Massenet, who died but lately, was full of originality. His operas, The Cid, Le Jongleur de Notre-Dame, Manon, and Thais, are all to be seen on the modern stage.
Charpentier in Louise has also struck an original note, and his orchestration is considered unique.
Debussy has written Pélleas and Mélisande, a new opera of great interest.
Delibes has one charming opera, Lakmé, founded on the love of a Hindu girl for an English officer.
IX—THE LATER ITALIAN SCHOOL
Verdi, born in 1839 and dying only recently, is the master of the modern Italian composers. Ernani is typical of his first style, and was immensely popular. Later he wrote La Traviata, Rigoletto, Il Trovatore, and Aida. When Verdi was an old man he wrote Otello, called his greatest work. This was followed by Falstaff, full of bright fun.
Verdi's genius inspired many other musicians. Of them all Ponchielli owed him most; his best opera is La Gioconda.
Puccini, a living composer, also owes much to Verdi; his Manon Lescaut, La Bohème, Madame Butterfly, and The Girl of the Golden West prove his great promise.
Mascagni is associated with one opera only, the Cavalleria Rusticana, with its intermezzo which gave it popularity. His later work is distinctly second rate.
Leoncavallo has followed Mascagni somewhat. His I Pagliacci is his best-known opera.