Puccini – La Rondine (RCA Victor Sold Seal Opera Series) | 2CD Set

Product Information

UPC: 0035626045920
Catalog Codes: RC612 (F: RC612), QK (UK: QK x 2), LE 0316
Format: 2 × Compact Disc (Digital Audio, Remastered Reissue)
Series: The RCA Victor Opera Series
Label: RCA Victor Gold Seal / BMG Classics (Released 1990)
Country: UK & Europe
Total Playing Time:

• Disc 1: 63:18
• Disc 2: 32:37

Performers & Credits:

• Music: Giacomo Puccini (1858–1924) – La Rondine
• Principal Soloists:Ensemble: RCA Italiana Opera Orchestra & Chorus
  • Poppea (Magda de Civry): Anna Moffo
  • Nerone (Ruggero Lastouc): Daniele Barioni
  • Bartolo / A Student (Prunier/Other parts): Piero De Palma
  • Additional Featured Soloists: Mario Sereni, Graziella Sciutti, and others
• Conductor: Francesco Molinari-Pradelli
• Libretto: By Giuseppe Adami (libretto included)
• Producer: Richard Mohr (Produced by Richard Mohr, Reissue Producer John Pfeiffer)
• Recording Engineer & Remastering: Recorded in July 1966 at RCA Italiana Studios, Rome; originally engineered by Anthony Salvatore; remastered by David Frost
  

Overview

Experience the refined elegance of Puccini’s La Rondine from the RCA Victor Opera Series—a landmark digital reissue that captures the timeless charm and passionate lyricism of one of Italy’s beloved operas. In this 2-CD set, illustrious soprano Anna Moffo delivers a spellbinding portrayal of Poppea, alongside brilliant performances by Daniele Barioni, Mario Sereni, Graziella Sciutti, and Piero De Palma. Under the expert baton of conductor Francesco Molinari-Pradelli, the RCA Italiana Opera Orchestra & Chorus bring Puccini’s music to sublime life. Featuring meticulously remastered sound from recordings made in 1966 at RCA Italiana Studios in Rome, this release is a must-have for opera enthusiasts and collectors of classic operatic heritage.

French Translation – Overview (Aperçu)
Découvrez l'élégance raffinée de La Rondine de Puccini, issue de la série Opera de RCA Victor – une réédition numérique emblématique qui saisit le charme intemporel et le lyrisme passionné de l'un des opéras les plus appréciés d'Italie. Dans ce coffret 2 CD, l'illustre soprano Anna Moffo livre une interprétation fascinante de Poppea, accompagnée des brillantes prestations de Daniele Barioni, Mario Sereni, Graziella Sciutti et Piero De Palma. Sous la direction experte de Francesco Molinari-Pradelli, le RCA Italiana Opera Orchestra & Chorus donnent vie à la musique de Puccini avec une sublime intensité. Grâce à une remastérisation minutieuse des enregistrements réalisés en 1966 aux RCA Italiana Studios de Rome, cette production est indispensable aux amateurs d'opéra et aux collectionneurs du patrimoine lyrique classique.

Product Features

• Format & Durations:

  • 2 CD Reissue in a thick jewel case with a cardboard slipcase.
  • Disc 1: 63 minutes 18 seconds
  • Disc 2: 32 minutes 37 seconds

• Operatic Structure:
  La Rondine is presented in three acts:

  • Act I: Opening remarks, soaring arias ("Ah! No! No!") and ensemble pieces including “Forse, Come La Rondine”.
  • Act II: A series of sparkling duets and ensemble passages, illustrating whimsical and tender moments.
  • Act III: Concluding the opera with dramatic ensembles and reflective arias that capture the bittersweet nature of love and farewell.

• Notable Solo Performances:

  • Anna Moffo shines in her role with expressive, lyrical vocalism.
  • Daniele Barioni delivers a compelling portrayal of Nerone.
  • Mario Sereni and Piero De Palma are featured as Baritone and Tenor soloists, providing dynamic contrasts to the leading roles.
  • Graziella Sciutti presents an engaging depiction within the ensemble.

• Musical Direction & Accompaniment:

  • Orchestrated and sung by the distinguished RCA Italiana Opera Orchestra & Chorus.
  • Conducted by Francesco Molinari-Pradelli, whose interpretation artfully balances Puccini’s lush melodies with intimate phrasing.

• Additional Inclusions:

  • An 88-page booklet with program notes and the full libretto in Italian and English.
  • Detailed track listings with timings for each act and movement (from arias to ensemble numbers).

• Audio Quality:

  • Remastered for superior digital clarity, preserving the original emotional nuances and orchestral textures recorded in 1966.

Interesting Facts

A Classic Reissue of Operatic Excellence

• Historic Recording:

  • La Rondine was originally recorded in July 1966 at RCA Italiana Studios, Rome. This reissue preserves the historic sonic character and the live energy of that era.

• Star-Studded Cast:

  • Renowned soprano Anna Moffo’s performance in this production is hailed as one of her finest interpretations—delivering both dramatic intensity and lyrical beauty.

• Critical Acclaim:

  • The RCA Victor Opera Series is celebrated for its high audio fidelity and iconic performances, making it a coveted title among collectors and opera aficionados.

• Cultural Legacy:

  • Puccini’s La Rondine remains a beloved work for its innovative blend of light comedy and poignant emotion—a reflection of the versatile and humanistic qualities of Italian opera.

• Multilingual Impact:

  • The packaging features information both in Italian and English, underscoring the international appeal of Puccini’s music.

French Translation – Interesting Facts (Faits Intéressants)

Une Réédition Incontournable d’un Opéra d’Excellence

• Enregistrement Historique :

  • La Rondine a été initialement enregistré en juillet 1966 aux RCA Italiana Studios de Rome. Cette réédition conserve le caractère sonore historique et l'énergie live de cette époque.

• Distribution d'Élite :

  • L'interprétation de l'illustre soprano Anna Moffo dans cette production est considérée comme l'une de ses meilleures, alliant intensité dramatique et beauté lyrique.

• Éloges Critiques :

  • La série Opera de RCA Victor est reconnue pour sa qualité sonore exceptionnelle et ses performances emblématiques, faisant de cet enregistrement un objet de collection prisé par les passionnés d'opéra.

• Héritage Culturel :

  • La Rondine de Puccini demeure une œuvre aimée pour son mélange innovant de comédie légère et d'émotion poignante—un reflet des qualités polyvalentes et humanistes de l'opéra italien.

• Impact International :

  • Le livret bilingue (italien et anglais) souligne l'attrait universel de la musique de Puccini, assurant son rayonnement mondial.

Track Listing

Note: Detailed track timing and scene breakdown are available in the included 88-page booklet. Below is an abridged summary of the opera's structure:

Act I

1. "Ah! No! No!" – Opening aria showcasing exuberant emotion.
2. "Chi Il Bel Sogno Di Doretta" – A lyrical duet offering dreamy interplay between characters.
3. "No, Adesso Non Burlatemi" – A spirited ensemble number.
4. "La Doretta Della Mia Fantasia" – An aria capturing the whimsical essence of longing.
5. "Denaro! Nient'altro Che Denaro!" – A comic, brisk passage.
6. "Ore Dolci E Divine" – A duet emphasizing the sweetness of romance.
7. "E Poi?; Basta, È Finito." – A closing ensemble for Act I.
8. "Forse, Come La Rondine" – Recurring thematic material hinting at the opera’s title and mood.

Act II

1. "Fiori Freschi! Fiori Freschi!" – An exuberant opening piece for Act II.
2. "Chi È? Mai Vista!" – A captivating ensemble drama.
3. "Scusatemi, Scusate" – Moments of reflective dialogue through music.
4. "Dolcessa! Ebbrezza!" – A tender duet filled with passion.
5. "Che Caldo! Che Sete!" – An energetic, rhythmic passage.
6. "Perchè Mai Cercate Di Saper" – A brief recitative setting dramatic tension.
7. "Zitti! Non Disturbiamoli!" – A choral interlude.
8. "Bevo Al Tuo Fresco Sorriso" – A joyful aria celebrating youthful allure.
9. "Rambaldo! Ah! M'aiutate!" – A lively ensemble piece.
10. "Nella Tiepida Luce D'un Mattin" – A reflective closing number for Act II.

Act III

1. "Senti? Anche Il Mare Respira Sommenso" – An evocative opening to the final act.
2. "E Siam Fuggiti Qui Per Nasconderlo!" – A dramatic recitative and aria combination.
3. "Dimmi Che Vuoi Seguirmi" – A tender duet inviting resolution.
4. "Che Più Dirgli? Che Fare?" – A short, incisive interlude.
5. "È Qui?; Non So!" – Exploratory dialogue in musical form.
6. "Ma Come Voi?" – An emotionally charged aria.
7. "Amore Mio! Mia Madre!" – A climactic ensemble that brings the opera to its poignant conclusion.

Publishers

Distributed by BMG Classics and marketed by BMG Ariola in Europe through BMG Records. Printed in Germany by TOPAC. All rights reserved by BMG Music. Unauthorized copying, public performance, or other use of this recording is strictly prohibited by law.

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English:

#Puccini #LaRondine #RCAVictorOperaSeries #AnnaMoffo #DanieleBarioni #FrancescoMolinariPradelli #OperaRecording #ClassicOpera #DigitalRemaster #BMGClassics

French (Cimkek):

#Puccini #LaRondine #RCAVictorOperaSeries #AnnaMoffo #DanieleBarioni #FrancescoMolinariPradelli #EnregistrementOpéra #OpéraClassique #RemasteringNumérique #BMGClassics