Interesting... This is the first time I've heard this version. While it's good, I find that I prefer the other where Magda leaves Ruggero to go back to Rambaldo. I saw the Met production of that with Roberto Alagna and Angela Gheorghiu from a couple of years ago and Alagna's acting was so amazing that my heart broke for him when Magda leaves. It will be hard for me to see an ending that will equal the power of that production and performance.
Per me...........Uno spettakolo migliore che esiste....Ainhoa..........è una favola.Уникальное исполнение...переворачивает всю душу.....и наматывает нервы и кишки на локоть.....простите.......
I am just amazed that by switching the singing parts with altered text, that this amazing second ending could rise from the same music - provoking completely different emotions through tempi and volume. From my analysis - there is nothing different in the music at all - except one vocal line of music not sung - giving a real dramatic pause.
Imagine a chick like this on her knees, crawling toward you, begging forgiveness. Do you think she'd ever refuse you sex? Yet the snob turns his back and rejects her because of "horror." Ass-hole.
As with most Puccini, there must always be a body count at the end of his operas, not to mention a bit of sadism towards his female characters. The first version is best though I wonder what the incomplete 3rd version does?
What an idiot! Imagine a chick like Arteta on her knees, literally crawling to you, telling you how much she loves you. And she says she lies because she loved you.
Why didn't the uptight snub, from such a good family, believe her? What did she do but live with a guy. Shows how Puritanical morality can destroy lives.
It's certainly very "operatic" and I love the beautiful set and fog effect at the end. I usually don't care for Ainhoa Arteta, but she sounded lovely in this. But, you're right about the intent to write an "operetta." I dunno! I guess it depends on how Magda is played from the very beginning; usually she is very much a woman "in charge" of her circumstances and, I think, older than Ruggero. Definitely would have to be a different take on the character--younger, less self-assured.
also--just to throw this out there... this ending is totally anti-feminist; she's totally subordinated, first to role of "whore" (i.e., sex worker) and then when she tries to walk away from that life to the role of liar. it ruins any prospect of a good life she could have had. yeah it's more tragic/emotionally impacting, but at least in the original version she has the agency to make her own choices. i don't know if it's good to sacrifice that just for the sake of Drama with a capital D.
@raythespian When did Puccini ever write operetta? He wrote this in the dead middle of WWI. Do you think the greatest composer at the time would be in the mood for operetta? Over 60 million casualties: killed, wounded or missing in action.
@walkm - OK, so it's an opera (lite). This scene in itself is gloriously melodramatic and I love wallowing in it. However, it's tacked on to a story that is simply not serious enough to justify it.
@raythespian Puccini was commisioned to do the operetta. He pulled out, but took what he had written, and the lebretto and completed as an opera. So, for me, this version is so much more powerful.
Stunning ...... I'll buy the DVD .....saw the Mets version last year, enjoyed it immensly, but it lacked something at the end .....this is what it was missing. A real ending
magda diventa vittima del pregiudizio e perde tutta la civetteria, la complessità e il fascino femminile che la caratterizza. Anche se il finale corrente comunque musicalmente non è eccelso, salvo la romanza 'ma come puoi lasciarmi'
nice to see this version, but i'm going to stick my neck out and share my preference for the "happier" ending. it's not that it's more realistic, just that i can empathise with the sadness of separation more easily than the need to commit suicide. i find the tragic normality (?) of the "happier" ending more moving (sadder, in fact) than this alternative, which seems a bit fantastic to me.
As if she is the only soprano who has made her career "sleeping around" - come on!!! Maybe she has not chosen the correct repertoire but believe me, there are worst singers than her who sing around in important Opera Theatres... this is how it goes!!
you don't have to be a singer to recognise bad/good singing. after all they sing for an audience not for other singers. we may or may not agree with the previous comment but to dismiss the comment simply by the lame argument that only good signers can criticise is a bit childish. The soprano here has her problems but is thoughtful enough. the tenor seems a bit forced at times.
Thank you for the answer...I have read something about this...I found this extremely interesting but I was disappointed to have the very same ending than in La Boheme, Manon Lescault, madama Butterfly, on the other hand, Magda is not the type of woman to commit suicide. I prefer the "happy" ending...is not really happy but realistic.
the whole thing is an alternate because ruggero never find out who magda really is and she doesn't kill herself in the end. though i must say that i do like this alternative because it adds a twist to the original.
As far as I know in the alternative version Magda doesn't die: she weeps and then goes back to Paris to her former lover who has invited her to do so.
By the way this is no operetta, nor light opera, no Gilbert and Sullivan. This is a comedy of manners and vocal requirements are high.
The first finale was conventional but perfectly polished. Had Puccini had time to work on the alternative one this could probably have been perfectly suitable to the atmosphere of cynical and sad realism
Sorry, but I feel that Puccini's intended conception is how this opera should end. La Rondine was supposed to be a "light" opera. The ending should be sad, but not tragic.
btw, Mrs. Domingo was the director at the LA production... so I'm hoping she directed this one as well, because it's the exact same blocking, not one difference... though I prefer Patricia Racette over Ms. Arteta.
just so you guys know, puccini only considered this as a plot option at one point, but none of the original librettists wrote this, nor did he approve it. it was written by people atthe washington national opera when they heard of puccini's consideration of it as the finale. but this ending was not intended. but i will admit it is good, but the bad part is that while it uses the same music as in the original, LOTS of the music is cut, which is sad because the cut stuff is great too.
I just saw this same exact production at LA opera (june 28, 2008) with the same set and same Tenor. Marcus Haddock was awesome! But I felt the audience was quite surprised by the ending (and not in a good way). I myself was left wanting more. I believe Maestro Domingo is the director at Washington as well as LA so it makes sense. I must say that I could have listened for hours and hours more. I love Puccini's successful attempt at operetta!
Ok I had asked that question earlier. It's an intresting ending but I really don't see Magda as being like Cio-Cio-San or Liu in needing to kill herself over the loss of Ruggero. The ATL opera did it years ago kinda made Magda as a Marylin like person.
Maybe Magda killer herself not because Ruggero dumped her, but because the alternative (going back to Rambaldo) is too horrible to bear... Why can't she just live on her own, you may ask. Probably in those days a woman can't be independent and live without a man.
Sono d'accordo con Gildo. Al di là dell'aspetto musicale (anche se in realtà i temi sono più o meno gli stessi), è dal punto di vista drammaturgico che la prima versione è più interessante: come una Traviata senza tragedia, che sceglie da sola di andarsene, e lascia Ruggero straziato. In questa versione lui resta il solito tenore pirla pucciniano...
Great ending much better than the old one, but I think Ruggero can be played off as more hurt than mad. It does not seem to flow with the rest of his character, I mean does anyone know the act III aria he sings before he comes back on to this? It is like it is not the same man, the other ending lends more to his character, not caring about her past, or at least being much more soft. He needs to be filled with more agony and sorrow in this ending, but then again does Haddock's voice lend to that?
Haddock rulez! i heard him a few years ago as Edgardo (Lucia), he was amazing. i'm so dissapointed: he was supposed to sing Don Carlo tomorrow at the IPO, but eventually will not.
Question did they change the lyrics to the end or is this just reinerprating the supertitles? I personally don't like the change. It's too harsh. I don't think Magda is Cio-Cio-San or Liu. The singing is lovely. When I saw La Rondine at the Atlanta Opera I cried at the end.
Thank you for posting this. I've owned and studied the score for over 40 years and think that this alternate ending is more satisfying than the one in my score. These two have absolutely wonderful voices and histrionic skills.
Thank you for bringing this video to us. In all the years I've loved Rondine, I had no idea it had an alternate ending, much less that is was performed.
Interesting... This is the first time I've heard this version. While it's good, I find that I prefer the other where Magda leaves Ruggero to go back to Rambaldo. I saw the Met production of that with Roberto Alagna and Angela Gheorghiu from a couple of years ago and Alagna's acting was so amazing that my heart broke for him when Magda leaves. It will be hard for me to see an ending that will equal the power of that production and performance.
BenRagunton 2 weeks ago
This is NOT an Operetta......Please, please, don't think of it as such>>>>>
stamman2 10 months ago
Per me...........Uno spettakolo migliore che esiste....Ainhoa..........è una favola.Уникальное исполнение...переворачивает всю душу.....и наматывает нервы и кишки на локоть.....простите.......
miafaaa 10 months ago
I am just amazed that by switching the singing parts with altered text, that this amazing second ending could rise from the same music - provoking completely different emotions through tempi and volume. From my analysis - there is nothing different in the music at all - except one vocal line of music not sung - giving a real dramatic pause.
PecsMaster 1 year ago
Imagine a chick like this on her knees, crawling toward you, begging forgiveness. Do you think she'd ever refuse you sex? Yet the snob turns his back and rejects her because of "horror." Ass-hole.
aristopus 1 year ago
As with most Puccini, there must always be a body count at the end of his operas, not to mention a bit of sadism towards his female characters. The first version is best though I wonder what the incomplete 3rd version does?
irvingsteinberg 1 year ago
Oh. I much prefrer the other ending. Not nearly so artificial, and therefore, so much more affecting.
Hernthemunter 1 year ago
What an idiot! Imagine a chick like Arteta on her knees, literally crawling to you, telling you how much she loves you. And she says she lies because she loved you.
Why didn't the uptight snub, from such a good family, believe her? What did she do but live with a guy. Shows how Puritanical morality can destroy lives.
aristopus 1 year ago
It's certainly very "operatic" and I love the beautiful set and fog effect at the end. I usually don't care for Ainhoa Arteta, but she sounded lovely in this. But, you're right about the intent to write an "operetta." I dunno! I guess it depends on how Magda is played from the very beginning; usually she is very much a woman "in charge" of her circumstances and, I think, older than Ruggero. Definitely would have to be a different take on the character--younger, less self-assured.
ploplisphilin 1 year ago
also--just to throw this out there... this ending is totally anti-feminist; she's totally subordinated, first to role of "whore" (i.e., sex worker) and then when she tries to walk away from that life to the role of liar. it ruins any prospect of a good life she could have had. yeah it's more tragic/emotionally impacting, but at least in the original version she has the agency to make her own choices. i don't know if it's good to sacrifice that just for the sake of Drama with a capital D.
jasonqueue 2 years ago
Very effective finale, but it doesn't seem appropriate for an operetta, even a serious operetta.
raythespian 2 years ago 2
@raythespian When did Puccini ever write operetta? He wrote this in the dead middle of WWI. Do you think the greatest composer at the time would be in the mood for operetta? Over 60 million casualties: killed, wounded or missing in action.
You have to consider history.
aristopus 1 year ago
@raythespian THIS IS NOOOT AN OPERETTA... THis is a opera.
walkm 10 months ago
@walkm - OK, so it's an opera (lite). This scene in itself is gloriously melodramatic and I love wallowing in it. However, it's tacked on to a story that is simply not serious enough to justify it.
raythespian 10 months ago
@raythespian Puccini was commisioned to do the operetta. He pulled out, but took what he had written, and the lebretto and completed as an opera. So, for me, this version is so much more powerful.
georgependill 7 months ago
Stunning ...... I'll buy the DVD .....saw the Mets version last year, enjoyed it immensly, but it lacked something at the end .....this is what it was missing. A real ending
MarquisDePosa53 2 years ago
brutto finale è un doppione di 'traviata'
magda diventa vittima del pregiudizio e perde tutta la civetteria, la complessità e il fascino femminile che la caratterizza. Anche se il finale corrente comunque musicalmente non è eccelso, salvo la romanza 'ma come puoi lasciarmi'
solepizzammore 2 years ago
Arteta is superb. The "hard" ending is dramatic but I hate the idea of a strong woman dying for love.
marlyharris 2 years ago 2
nice to see this version, but i'm going to stick my neck out and share my preference for the "happier" ending. it's not that it's more realistic, just that i can empathise with the sadness of separation more easily than the need to commit suicide. i find the tragic normality (?) of the "happier" ending more moving (sadder, in fact) than this alternative, which seems a bit fantastic to me.
having said that, this is still sublime.
tomonetruth 2 years ago 7
Why this final is not used in all performances???
sergiolcb 2 years ago
In my opinion this final is much more dramatic and convincent and realistic in what could it happens in a situation like that.
sergiolcb 2 years ago
As if she is the only soprano who has made her career "sleeping around" - come on!!! Maybe she has not chosen the correct repertoire but believe me, there are worst singers than her who sing around in important Opera Theatres... this is how it goes!!
manuredepa 2 years ago
you don't have to be a singer to recognise bad/good singing. after all they sing for an audience not for other singers. we may or may not agree with the previous comment but to dismiss the comment simply by the lame argument that only good signers can criticise is a bit childish. The soprano here has her problems but is thoughtful enough. the tenor seems a bit forced at times.
luflowerhe 2 years ago
She speaks very highly of you.
aninalos 3 years ago
Thank you for the answer...I have read something about this...I found this extremely interesting but I was disappointed to have the very same ending than in La Boheme, Manon Lescault, madama Butterfly, on the other hand, Magda is not the type of woman to commit suicide. I prefer the "happy" ending...is not really happy but realistic.
Myasko
myaskovsky2002 3 years ago 2
I don't understand...alternative end...Did Puccini compose this? How can I get it? CD? DVD?
Thanking you in advance.
Myasko
myaskovsky2002 3 years ago
Could someone please say how much of this
clip is "alternate"? Is her entire aria
alternate or just the death scene part?
Thanks!
bclever1 3 years ago
the whole thing is an alternate because ruggero never find out who magda really is and she doesn't kill herself in the end. though i must say that i do like this alternative because it adds a twist to the original.
lulu2008 3 years ago
Does anyone know if the video of the entire opera is available?
stamman2 3 years ago
As far as I know in the alternative version Magda doesn't die: she weeps and then goes back to Paris to her former lover who has invited her to do so.
By the way this is no operetta, nor light opera, no Gilbert and Sullivan. This is a comedy of manners and vocal requirements are high.
The first finale was conventional but perfectly polished. Had Puccini had time to work on the alternative one this could probably have been perfectly suitable to the atmosphere of cynical and sad realism
idraote 3 years ago
An opera with such a duet can't be considered as a "minor" work. Not to speak about the two Magda arias...
asisecanta 3 years ago
Sorry, but I feel that Puccini's intended conception is how this opera should end. La Rondine was supposed to be a "light" opera. The ending should be sad, but not tragic.
DanRobSo 3 years ago
Where can I get this recording?
jeffro887 3 years ago
i have always loved La Rondine.
saw it live in June at the LA Opera.
applesetmustard 3 years ago
This movie is from Warsaw Opera in Poland.
klimas24 3 years ago
btw, Mrs. Domingo was the director at the LA production... so I'm hoping she directed this one as well, because it's the exact same blocking, not one difference... though I prefer Patricia Racette over Ms. Arteta.
tenli8 3 years ago
just so you guys know, puccini only considered this as a plot option at one point, but none of the original librettists wrote this, nor did he approve it. it was written by people atthe washington national opera when they heard of puccini's consideration of it as the finale. but this ending was not intended. but i will admit it is good, but the bad part is that while it uses the same music as in the original, LOTS of the music is cut, which is sad because the cut stuff is great too.
JuillHope17 3 years ago 2
I just saw this same exact production at LA opera (june 28, 2008) with the same set and same Tenor. Marcus Haddock was awesome! But I felt the audience was quite surprised by the ending (and not in a good way). I myself was left wanting more. I believe Maestro Domingo is the director at Washington as well as LA so it makes sense. I must say that I could have listened for hours and hours more. I love Puccini's successful attempt at operetta!
tenli8 3 years ago
Ok I had asked that question earlier. It's an intresting ending but I really don't see Magda as being like Cio-Cio-San or Liu in needing to kill herself over the loss of Ruggero. The ATL opera did it years ago kinda made Magda as a Marylin like person.
sirmercutio99 3 years ago
Maybe Magda killer herself not because Ruggero dumped her, but because the alternative (going back to Rambaldo) is too horrible to bear... Why can't she just live on her own, you may ask. Probably in those days a woman can't be independent and live without a man.
raysomeusc 3 years ago
Sono d'accordo con Gildo. Al di là dell'aspetto musicale (anche se in realtà i temi sono più o meno gli stessi), è dal punto di vista drammaturgico che la prima versione è più interessante: come una Traviata senza tragedia, che sceglie da sola di andarsene, e lascia Ruggero straziato. In questa versione lui resta il solito tenore pirla pucciniano...
kukupfer 3 years ago
sono perfettamente daccordo..il solito sfigato e basta!
magghot 3 years ago
Great ending much better than the old one, but I think Ruggero can be played off as more hurt than mad. It does not seem to flow with the rest of his character, I mean does anyone know the act III aria he sings before he comes back on to this? It is like it is not the same man, the other ending lends more to his character, not caring about her past, or at least being much more soft. He needs to be filled with more agony and sorrow in this ending, but then again does Haddock's voice lend to that?
spitface33 4 years ago
Haddock rulez! i heard him a few years ago as Edgardo (Lucia), he was amazing. i'm so dissapointed: he was supposed to sing Don Carlo tomorrow at the IPO, but eventually will not.
rakewell2 4 years ago
Question did they change the lyrics to the end or is this just reinerprating the supertitles? I personally don't like the change. It's too harsh. I don't think Magda is Cio-Cio-San or Liu. The singing is lovely. When I saw La Rondine at the Atlanta Opera I cried at the end.
sirmercutio99 4 years ago
great performance of Arteta, thanks for posting it; I love La Rondine and this ending is very intense; Haddock is always so solid, bravo.
jcopera 4 years ago
WOOOOW Absolutly better end than the other one, I think this is the very spirit of Puccini, when a heroine pass! BRAVI!
liebermex 4 years ago
Wonderful. Given how dramatic and intense the music of the duet is, the opera has to end this way.
richiedrr 4 years ago
So damn sad!
Elisabetta611 4 years ago
Thank you for posting this. I've owned and studied the score for over 40 years and think that this alternate ending is more satisfying than the one in my score. These two have absolutely wonderful voices and histrionic skills.
tenorote 4 years ago
Gosh. She just broke my heart. Beautiful!
missboulay 5 years ago
Thank you for bringing this video to us. In all the years I've loved Rondine, I had no idea it had an alternate ending, much less that is was performed.
ericjennings54 5 years ago
God what wonderfull music & singing.
mrrk 5 years ago