| Timeline |
| 1858 |
Born 23 December in Lucca, Tuscany; the son of a choirmaster and organist |
| 1872 |
Follows in father's footsteps as local church organist |
| 1880 |
Enters Milan Conservatory of Music and is taught by Emilcare Ponchielli |
| 1884 |
Successful premiere in Milan of first opera, Le villi |
| 1886 |
Has son with mistress Elvira Gemignani |
| 1893 |
Triumphant premiere in Turin of Manon Lescaut |
| 1900 |
Buys country estate near Lucca, at Torre del Lago |
| 1903 |
During composition of Madame Butterfly is badly injured in a car accident |
| 1904 |
Marries Elvira Gemignani after death of her husband; disastrous opening of Madame Butterfly in Milan |
| 1910 |
Attends New York premiere of La fanciulla del West |
| 1924 |
Dies 29 November, after surgery for throat cancer, leaving Turandot unfinished |
