Umberto Giordano (1867-1948) was an Italian opera composer associated with the verismo generation. Born in Foggia, he studied in Naples and found his theatrical voice in the emotionally direct operatic world that followed Mascagni and Leoncavallo.

His best-known opera is Andrea Chénier, a French Revolution drama that remains a favourite vehicle for dramatic tenors and sopranos. He also wrote Fedora, Siberia, Madame Sans-Gêne and other stage works.

Giordano’s music is ardent, theatrical and vocally generous, with sweeping melodies and strong situations. He was especially effective at shaping historical or political conflict into immediate personal emotion.

Though his reputation now rests chiefly on Andrea Chénier, Giordano remains a central figure in Italian opera around 1900. His best scenes glow with the dangerous heat of stage light.