NET Opera Theater (TV Series) La Rondine (1972) User Reviews

Puccini in English

[TheLittleSongbird · 10/10 · 29 August 2012]

La Rondine is perhaps the most underrated Puccini opera. True, the story doesn't grip me in the way La Boheme and especially Tosca do, but the music is gorgeous, Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta I have long considered one of Puccini's most beautiful soprano arias. And this production, which I saw on a video recorded off the television by my godparents back in the 70s, is just lovely. Hearing the opera in English may be a shock for those used to hearing it in Italian, initially it was for me, but what is important is that the basic poetry of the words are still there and they are. This La Rondine looks beautiful, with traditional and elegant settings and sumptuous costuming. I couldn't help being reminded of Zeffirelli's La Traviata, which I love. The orchestra are lush and poetic, which is what the score needs I think, and the conducting is alive to nuances without it being dull. Teresa Stratas is just wonderful as Magda, Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta is sung with beautiful tone and affecting musicality and her acting is very deeply felt. Anastasios Verenios is a dashing and vocally lyrical Ruggero, while Barbara Shuttleworth's Lisette is charming. John Walker is also great. All in all, a lovely production that looks beautiful and is wonderfully performed. 10/10 Bethany Cox

A beautiful star in a beautiful role

[franceshugg777 · 9/10 · 6 December 2020]

I've watched the Metropolitan Opera on Great Performances and attended many operas in Staatsoper and Volksoper in Vienna, Austria and in Salzburg, plus a Monteverdi opera at the State Opera in Budapest, Hungary, but this TV production I saw so long ago has always stayed with me. I love the Puccini music and Teresa Stratas has always been one of my favorite opera stars. I saw her in the lush production film of La Traviata in the theater, on TV again in Amahl and the Night Visitors, and in The Ghosts of Versailles broadcast on PBS. And every time she takes my breath away. Although retired now, she was the quintessence of aa beautiful star with a beautiful voice that so seldom goes together. ( The only other star I can think of in this category is Lily Pons, of whom I have only heard recordings and seen photos.) In La Ronnie, Stratas has a perfect role, that fits her like a glove and she is mesmerizing.