44. Fuga

In Mostra 1974 this work is erroneously indicated as “Moderato mosso”. Cavalli (also in Mostra 1974) calls this fugue a vocal work (“fuga vocale”), because of Puccini’s use of the “old” clefs. Due to its harmonic awkwardness Magri 1999 assigns this piece to Puccini’s schooldays in Lucca. The manuscript paper, however, is the same that Puccini frequently used during his studies at the Milan Conservatory.
The handwriting on the third page does not look like Puccini’s, but greatly resembles that of his brother Michele.