“Turandot” by Giacomo Puccini tells the story of the iron princess Turandot, who poses a series of riddles to all potential suitors.
Those who cannot solve the riddles will be executed. Kalaf, a prince fascinated by Turandot’s beauty, dares to accept the challenge. With the help of the servant Liù he manages to solve the puzzles.
Horrified at the prospect of being at the mercy of the stranger, Turandot begs the emperor not to force her to marry the stranger. However, the Emperor insists that he must keep his word and that tradition must be respected.
However, Calàf, the unknown prince, is willing to offer Turandot a way out. He suggests that if she finds out his name by sunrise, she releases him from the oath and he agrees to sacrifice his life. In this case, she can determine his fate. However, if she fails, she becomes his wife.
The Emperor accepts the proposal and agrees that Turandot will be given this last chance. Turandot now faces a major challenge as she must attempt to discover Calàf’s name before dawn to determine her own fate.
This scene sets in motion a thrilling race against time and increases the dramatic tension of the plot. Turandot is forced to choose between her pride and her fear of love, while Calàf is willing to risk his life for love.
The plot of “Turandot” reaches a peak of emotional intensity and moral dilemmas here.