The Metropolitan Opera: Puccini's La Rondine
Absolutely Delightful Performance
2009 it 114 minutes
Rating: 8
Plot
This elegant romance is the least-known work of the mature Giacomo Puccini . The story concerns a kept woman who defies convention to chase a dream of romantic love with an earnest, if naïve, young man. This Met Opera production features the dynamic soprano Angela Gheorghiu and Frenchborn tenor Roberto Alagna performing the roles of Magda and Ruggero, it blooms into its rightful place in the glorious Puccini canon. La Rondine (The Swallow) was commissioned by Vienna s Carltheater in 1913. Due to the impending outbreak of World War I, premiered in 1917, at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo with Gilda Dalla Rizza and Tito Schipa. Set in a Parisian salon, it is the story of Magda, the glamorous mistress of wealthy banker Rambaldo. Her yearning for romantic love compels her into the arms of the ardent and adoring young Ruggero.
Trailer
Trailer's not available.
Cast
Angela Gheorghiu
Magda
Roberto Alagna
Ruggero
Samuel Ramey
Rambaldo
Lisette Oropesa
Lisette
Marius Brenciu
Prunier
Monica Yunus
Yvette
Marco Armiliato
Self - Conductor
Alyson Cambridge
Bianca
Marty Singleton
Adolf
Anne Nonnemacher
Georgette
Belinda Oswald
Gabriele
Mary Hughes
Lolette
Jason Hendrix
Rabonnier
Elizabeth DeShong
Suzy
Tony Stevenson
Gobin
Ashley Emerson
A singer
Roger Andrews
A butler
