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49 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A truly fabulous recording, September 10, 2001
This review is from: Puccini - La Rondine / Gheorghiu · Alagna · Matteuzzi · Mula · Rinaldi · Ciofi · Bacelli · LSO · Pappano (Audio CD)
I am in deep shock at some of the poor reviews regarding this magnificent recording of La Rondine. On my stereo the voices of Alagna and Gheorghiu sound absolutely divine. This recording is anything but boring--perhaps some of the other reviewers need to look into replacing their stereo systems with ones that can capture fully the ravishing voices of Alagna and Gheorghiu. While La Rondine is not one of my favorite operas, this recording is nonetheless one of the finest and most beautiful that I own. Alagna and his wife may be controversial and not well liked, yet any unbiased reviewer cannot fail to appreciate the fine singing on this CD. If you are a fan of Puccini, don't hesitate to purchase this CD. If you are unfamiliar with this opera, this is the version you want to have, as it is in a class of its own. Put aside any negative feelings towards Alagna and Gheorghiu and just listen to the singing, which is certain to win you over. Even my non-operatic friends have commented favorably on this CD upon hearing it, and that should speak volumes to anyone interested in this edition.
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32 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Top Recording, January 25, 2002
This review is from: Puccini - La Rondine / Gheorghiu · Alagna · Matteuzzi · Mula · Rinaldi · Ciofi · Bacelli · LSO · Pappano (Audio CD)
I can dispense with relating the story of La Rondine as that has been admirably done by earlier reviews. But it is difficult for me to account for the harsh criticism offered by some reviews of this set. When this recording of La Rondine appeared in 1997, it was warmly greeting by critics and was (and is still) considered to be the best of the available recordings. The opera was an attempt to emulate the operettas of Lehar and Johann Strauss, and with La Traviata holding particular influence. There was a multitude of influences on La Rondine, even to making it into a comic opera along the lines of Rosenkavalier. However, it more closely resembles Traviata in its story and musical language. It is the singing by Angela Gheorghiu (as Magda) and Roberto Alagna (as Ruggero) that make this an idea recording. The way they approach and sing their parts convey what Puccini had in mind: Magda's role more complex and filled with emotional expression, and Ruggero an ardent young student. I don't think the singing could be better expressed than on this recording. Antonio Pappano brings out subtle shadings in the score and the recording is bright and clear. The earlier recording by Maazel has its virtues but the better characteriztion of these roles to the Pappano recording. The fillers are of interest as well. Morire? (a first version of a song Puccini included in the Vienna performances of La Rondine) is superbly sung by Alagna with Pappano at the piano. The excerpts from La Villi, Puccini's first opera, are tantalizing with Roberto Alagna, once again, giving a great account of his abilities as Roberto. Listening to La Villi makes one wish that Pappano would record this work. I can enthusiastically recommend this recording to anyone.
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24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow - what a recording!, August 9, 2001
This review is from: Puccini - La Rondine / Gheorghiu · Alagna · Matteuzzi · Mula · Rinaldi · Ciofi · Bacelli · LSO · Pappano (Audio CD)
I'm having trouble believing that other folks reviewing this opera have listened to the same recording that I have. There's an intimate tenderness to it that makes you hold your breath when you're listening. The famous 'Chi bel sono' aria that comes at the beginning is incredibly tasteful...it makes shivers go up and down your spine. I've listened to other recordings of this same aria and have found none that come anywhere close. In particular Kiri Te Kanawa's is grossly oversung. It's like comparing a gossamer silk handkerchief to a kitchen sponge. Puccini admitted patterning this opera after Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier. Some folks have professed not being able to see the connection. It's a no-brainer to me though, though it'd be impossible to put into words. They both make you <em>feel</em> the same...you get the same damned grin on your face when you listen to both, you feel that the music is perfection, that there's not a note out of place. And Puccini's attains a delicate intimacy that pulls you in much closer than any other operas. I feel this is Puccini's strongest work musically..that he's gone waaaay beyond what he was able to do in other operas. He's been able to do subtle, understated but delicious things in this chamber opera that he just couldn't do before. I'm extremely glad I found this opera, and especially glad that I found this recording. Buy it. Don't bother with any other recordings.
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