Puccini: La Rondine (complete opera recorded in 2007)

"So much of the success of any performance revolves around the role of Magda. Whilst Gheorghiu has made a name for herself in the role, in this performance Svetla Vassileva at least matches her vocally and gives a totally committed acted performance as well. She puts her whole body and face into her acting whilst her phrasing, legato and vocal expression are first rate; a consummate portrayal. Her fellow East European Maya Dashuk is lively and sparkling as the servant cum aspiring actress Lisette. Her singing and acting are good if not on the highest level of Vassileva. In the lead tenor role of Ruggero, Fabio Sartori has a pleasing tenor voice and matches his Magda for expressive phrasing, Svetla Vassileva has a clear vocal line and appealing tone."
(MusicWeb June 2009)

Although one of his most consistently lyrical operas, La rondine (The Swallow) remains one of Puccini's least known. Dissatisfied with the result of his work, Puccini wrote three versions, with two different endings, and continued to make further revisions up to his death in 1924.

This innovative 2007 production is in effect a fourth version, which combines Acts I and II of the first version (1917), with Lorenzo Ferrero's 1994 orchestration of parts of the Finale of Act III of the incomplete third version (1921), some of which had survived only in piano score, as well as Ruggero's Act I romanza, 'Parigi è la città dei desideri', from the second version (1920). This is a world premiere recording of this little known 'fourth version'.

With a sparkling score reminiscent of Franz Lehár and Richard Strauss, La rondine, set in mid-19th century Paris, tells the story of Magda de Civry, a young courtesan who falls in love one evening with Ruggero Lastouc, the handsome son of a childhood friend of her protector, Rambaldo Fernandez. Although Magda believes that her compromised social position prevents their marrying, in Puccini's third version it is Ruggero who leaves Magda when he discovers that she is the mistress of Rambaldo.