 It was loosely based on Rostand's drama, and intended as a showcase for Laura Cherici, a soprano who would become his inspiration and long-time partner.In September 1990 he presented a new opera in Livorno, "La Lupa", commissioned by Alberto Paloscia (to whom the opera was eventually dedicated) to further the cause of verismo on the 100th Anniversary of Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana".The most notable feature of the opera was the insertion of a recording of Italian pop singer Peppino di Capri, which caused quite a sensation.