As characters go, Gianni Schicchi is remarkable. Not only does he appear in a Canto (XXX) of Dante’s Inferno, but he is also the subject of a one act opera by the great composer, Giacomo Puccini. Not bad for a minor crook of a man. Other than Othello, not many characters can claim such an honor.
The opera contains one of the most beautiful arias I know, “O mio babbino caro” (Oh, my dear papa).
The night before my daughter was born, I went to see Gianni Schicchi. After, when she was born, I used to hum “O mio babbino caro” to her to help her fall asleep.
One of my favourite sopranos is Anna Netrebko, and she sings “O mio babbino caro” here:
Smart People I Know 