Gabriel Faurè considered Umberto Giordano's Siberia to be one of the most interesting and singular works of the early 20th century. The opera's tragic narrative follows Prince Alexis's courtesan Stephana. She falls in love with an innocent soldier, Vassili, who is sent to Siberia for killing the Prince. Stephana gives up her life of luxury to follow him but cannot escape her past. With it's intensely Russian atmosphere and passionately soaring melodies, Siberia was Giordano's favorite among his operas. This acclaimed Fiorentino production was greeted with multiple ovations.