Puccini - La Rondine / Te Kanawa · Doningo · Nicolesco · Nucci · Rendall · L. Watson · G. Knight · LSO · Maazel

Giacomo Puccini (Composer), Lorin Maazel (Conductor), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Ambrosian Opera Chorus (Orchestra), Kiri Te Kanawa (Performer), Placido Domingo (Performer), David Rendall (Performer), Leo Nucci (Performer), Mariana Nicolesco (Performer), Lillian Watson Gillian Knight (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Kiri Te Kanawa, Placido Domingo, David Rendall, Leo Nucci, Mariana Nicolesco, et al.
• Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra, Ambrosian Opera Chorus
• Conductor: Lorin Maazel
• Composer: Giacomo Puccini
• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: CBS (Sony Classical)
• ASIN: B0000025QJ
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,813 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #25 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Divas > Te Kanawa, Kiri

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. La Rondine (The Swallow), opera: Act I

2. La Rondine (The Swallow), opera: Act II

Disc: 2

1. La Rondine (The Swallow), opera: Act III

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Puccini Gem, June 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Puccini - La Rondine / Te Kanawa · Doningo · Nicolesco · Nucci · Rendall · L. Watson · G. Knight · LSO · Maazel (Audio CD)

As with the Pappano version, one exhausts superlative on these two Rondines. The principals are marvelous, the sound is superb, although the Pappano version possibly profits from newer technology in the years between them, with the orchestral and vocal voices more distinct and separable in the Pappano. Gheorghiu and Alagna are just a bit more intimate and fresh, where Te Kanawa and Domingo more polished, but there is no way to choose between these two invaluable sets. A solid investment for anyones opera library.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Domingo and Te Kanawa , at the top of their game..., March 4, 2000

By 

Kenneth Neill (Memphis, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Puccini - La Rondine / Te Kanawa · Doningo · Nicolesco · Nucci · Rendall · L. Watson · G. Knight · LSO · Maazel (Audio CD)

I have several recordings of La Rondine, undoubtedly Puccini's most underrated opera, but this one, just acquired, is far and away the best. The final duet ("Ma come puoi lasciarmi") is delivered with such power and majesty that you can practically "see" Domingo and Te Kanawa on stage. A real treat!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Domingo and Te Kanawa connect beautifully., August 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Puccini - La Rondine / Te Kanawa · Doningo · Nicolesco · Nucci · Rendall · L. Watson · G. Knight · LSO · Maazel (Audio CD)

This recording of Puccini's semi-popular opera is absolutely fantastic. Te Kanawa's pianissimo high notes in "Chi'il bel sogno di Doretta" are brilliantly done, showing she was able to fully master the difficult, yet beautiful, challenges of the role. Domingo's performance is, as usual, outstanding. Although the opera lacks any tenor arias, Domingo passionately and beautifully expresses his voice throughout the opera like no other (his opening to "Bevo al tuo fresco sorriso" is phenominal). Overall, this recording is a must-buy for the opera fan, especially for those who love Puccini's intimate melodies.