Puccini for Harp

Celebrating Giacomo Puccini’s Legacy

The legendary Italian composer Giacomo Puccini passed away 100 years ago on November 29, 1924, leaving behind a timeless musical legacy. Known for operatic masterpieces such as La Bohème, Tosca, and Madame Butterfly, Puccini’s unforgettable melodies continue to captivate audiences today. To commemorate this anniversary, we’ve curated a selection of some of his finest works arranged for harp, available for purchase on Harp Column Music.

Titles marked with an * are playable on lever harp. 

Nessun dorma

arr. Bill Van Patten

From Puccini’s opera Turandot, this famous melody is welcome on recitals and at background events. I have personally played it at a senior center, a funeral, and a tea party. It really is a versatile piece and Bill Van Patten’s arrangement allows it to shine on harp.

*The Humming Chorus

arr. Lauren Hayes

Lauren Hayes has arranged this iconic work from Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly. It is performed as the bridge between Act II and Act III. Although written for pedal harp, with a few tweaks, this could also be adapted for lever harpists to enjoy, which I recommend because it’s really fun to play!

Quando m´en vo

arr. Angela Klöhn

“Quando m´en vo´” or “Musetta’s Waltz” is perhaps Puccini’s best-known aria. I really appreciate that Angela Klöhn’s arrangement doesn’t get overly complicated, especially in the left-hand accompaniment. The melody cuts through perfectly.

Oh, My Beloved Father

arr. Meinir Heulyn

This is by far my most favorite Puccini aria. Known by it’s Italian name “O Mio Babbino Caro,” it is from the 1918 opera Gianna Schicchi. Another versatile piece, it is perfect for weddings, cocktail parties, and anywhere that you want to perform beautiful music!

*Doretta’s Dream

arr. Merynda Adams

One of the most famous arias from Puccini’s La Rondine, Merynda Adams has expertly arranged this gorgeous melody for lever harp. It is even playable on any harp with at least 22 strings.

Puccini Treasures

by Alyssa Reit

This collection by Alyssa Reit is fabulous and really makes Puccini’s works very accessible. Every arrangement is two pages and very easy to read. The collection includes three of Puccini’s famous arias: “Musetta’s Waltz,” “E Lucevan le Stelle,” and “O Soave Fancuila.”

Crisantemi

arr. Floraleda Sacchi

Although best known for his operas and vocal works, Puccini also wrote a handful of chamber works, like this piece. Originally written for string quartet, Floraleda Sacchi has adapted it for pedal harp. Written as en elegy for Puccini’s friend Amadeo di Savoia, Duke of Aosta, it is quite melancholic.

Puccini Medley

arr. Diane Michaels

Advanced beginner players can join in the fun learning some Puccini with this harp trio medley arranged by Diane Michaels. It is a combination of three pieces mentioned above: “O Mio Babbino Caro,” “Humming Chorus,” and “Nessun dorma.”

Five Popular Arias

arr. Maurice Draughn

Maurice Draughn has arranged five of Puccini’s most popular arias for the unique combination of voice and pedal harp duet. The accompaniment parts are very rich and compliment the vocal lines beautifully.

O Mio Babbino Caro

arr. Willi Maerz

I adore this piece so much that I had to add the harp ensemble version to this list! This version, arranged by Willi Maerz, is for advanced harp quartet. Bonus: this piece also comes with “Humming Chorus” for pedal harp quartet. Both arrangements are stunning!

Four Songs

arr. Floraleda Sacchi

Sopranos, prepare to shine in this harp/voice collection arranged by Floraleda Sacchi. Included are “Terra e Mare,” “Sole Amore,” “Casa Mia,” and “Avanti Urania!.”