Julian Smith describes the early history of Puccini's much-loved opera, and the various revisions made to the score and libretto before the usual version of the opera was established. The talk is illustrated by substantial extracts from the first version of the opera, specially recorded for this programme, many of which are receiving their first performance since the disastrous premiere in 1904. Cast:
CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA OF
THE WELSH NATIONAL OPERA leader JOHN STEIN conducted by JULIAN SMITH followed by an interlude