[2][3] Puccini's supporters, who included Arrigo Boito, funded the first production, whose favorable reception led to publication by Giulio Ricordi.

Puccini's mother received the following telegram on the night of premiere at the Teatro dal Verme on 31 May 1884: "Theatre packed, immense success; anticipations exceeded; eighteen calls; finale of first act encored thrice"'.

In the libretto, each part of the symphonic intermezzo between acts 1 and 2 – L'Abbandono (The Desertion) and La tregenda (The Spectre) – is preceded by explanatory verses recounting the intervening events.

Michele Girardi, citing a letter from Fontana to Puccini on 3 September 1884, has pointed out that the librettist intended for these to be read by the audience but not actually recited by a narrator.

[5] But according to Mosco Carner, Puccini had intended for the verses to be read out to the audience, although he notes there is no mention of this having actually happened in contemporary reviews of the first production.

[10] Performed as a double bill with Mascagni's Cavalleria rusticana, the Met's production featured Frances Alda as Anna and Alessandro Bonci as Roberto.

The work did not receive its premiere at the Vienna State Opera until 23 October 2005, when it was performed in a double bill with Leoš Janáček's Osud.

[citation needed] Spring Family and guests dance at a celebration of the engagement in marriage of Roberto and Anna.

He hopes for forgiveness, but the Villi stalk him as he mourns the loss of the days of his youth (Aria: Torna ai felici dì).