This selection received the 1997 Gramophone award for "Record of the Year", as well as one of Gramophone's 1998 "Critic's Choice" awards.
A delicate gem of an opera, 'La Rondine' is unique for Puccini because it is not typical of his style. After visiting Vienna in 1913 he was inspired to write a Viennese-style operetta. Unfortunately for the composer, by the time the work made its debut in 1917 (in Monte Carlo because World War I was in full force) the opera's nonrealistic style was no longer in vogue. Although the work went through three subsequent revisions, it was never performed at Covent Garden, and didn't reach the Metropolitan Opera until after the composer's death in 1924. Despite the opera's early lukewarm reception, in recent years the work has been performed widely - including a beautiful production in the 1980s at the New York City Opera. A beautiful and lowkey work containing dashes of 'La Traviata,' 'La Rondine' is a bittersweet opera which the composer referred to as a "lyric comedy in three acts" and features one of Puccini's loveliest arias, "Ch'il bel sogno di Doretta."
This recording features Angela Gheorghiu and Roberto Alagna (who were married in 1996) and it surpasses all previous recordings in its interpretation and production. Demonstrating a wide acting range and a level of emotional commitment not heard elsewhere, Gheorghiu inhabits the role of Magda like no other singer before her--the tender pathos of the final act is a superior achievement. Also of note is Ruggero's opening aria: Alagna sings a revised version, which is unfamiliar to most listeners who are acquainted with the opera.
This recording of 'La Rondine' is far and away the one to have not just for Puccini lovers but for all aficionados of beautiful singing. It features its star performers at the peak of their singing careers and is destined to be remembered as one of the major opera recordings of the 1990s.
REVIEWS:
American Record Guide (11-12/97, pp.173-74) - "...[Alagna's] elegance and ardor seem unaffected, and he shows much sensitivity in shaping his words. Gheorghiu takes Magda's high-lying phrases in stride. Every note is perfectly attacked and controlled, with considerable warmth and beauty of tone....The secondary pair of lovers, who mirror the two leads in standard Viennese-operetta fashion, are well performed by Mula and Matteuzzi. If you want a first or a second `Rondine' for your collection, don't hesitate to get the new EMI."

This is an import product, and as such may take longer to source stock, we estimate that despatch will take 35-40 days after ordering, click here for more information regarding import products.