Puccini's La Rondine as performed by Washington National Opera released to DVD

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Washington National Opera’s acclaimed 1998 production of Puccini’s La Rondine, which was nationally televised on PBS, is now available on DVD. Decca is proud to add this title to its impressive collection of opera-on-DVD, especially as this is the first available performance of the controversial “third ending” which Puccini completed in 1921. After extensive investigative research and tireless efforts, the director, Marta Domingo, has reconstructed the tragic version of this opera. Rather than having Magda fly off like a swallow at the end, the story ends with her taking her own life. This alternate edition of the score presents a very different Magda and dramatic arch.

Seen not only in Washington DC but also Los Angeles , this production is a deeply moving addition to the standard repertoire and this DVD a valuable document of Puccini’s experimentation with drama and theatricality.

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