Verdi's late opera is often described as an "autumnal comedy," reflecting a certain warmth and color that has the flavor of the composer's age and place in life. Find out why.

Quick: name the three one-act operas included in Puccini’s Il Trittico. Give up? Now is your chance to learn with this, the first of a series of introductions to major operas, hosted by Midge Woolsey.