First Link

First before explaining the link I will like to explain what a pentatonic scale is, a pentatonic scale is a scale or mode with five notes per octave. It’s a contrast from the scale that is commonly used in western music, the heptatonic which is seven notes per scale. Madam butterfly can be considered to be classified as western music but Puccini believes that music has no nationality, ““the music cannot really be called American, for music has no nationality”” (469, Newman). Madam butterfly is a mix between western and Asian music. Puccini uses the western European/Italian principles in composing but he brings in Asian influences to add to the story of Madam Butterfly. Such as the pentatonic scale which brings us to the first link in between Italian opera and Chinese folk song. 

The c major pentatonic scale can be found in both the Madam Butterfly and in Mo Li Hua. In Mo Li Hua the first variation is using the c major pentatonic scale mainly in the lyrics. 

As in Madam Butterfly Puccini is consonantly using the C major pentatonic scale in various parts, especially with the singers. 

(sorry for the bad picture had to take a picture with my phone)