Published in September 1894 in a special commemorative issue of the magazine "Armi ed Arte" (Arms and Art). Many musicians and writers were invited to contribute to the commemorative event where the war flag was presented to King Umberto I of the Cuirassiers.

This work was composed with the impression of a boat swaying on the waves of Lake Massaciuccoli, where Puccini used to fish. Later, it was used as Musetta's aria in the opera "La Bohème" and is widely known and loved as one of the most famous arias. However, few people would know that the original piece was a piano work.

In this original piano piece, which unfolds with a highly captivating and sensual melody, the instruction was to play "with the gentle swaying of the waves." However, when it was used as Musetta's aria in the opera "La Bohème," its character changed significantly, becoming a glamorous and sexy vocal display.