beefnotfish (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

how perfectly lovely!!!!

puccinislarondine (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I wasn't aware there is an Alagna/Gheorghiu DVD. I have the CD of this and personally I can't stand what she does vocally- she has wonderful pianissimi and a lovely instrument, but she slows things down to make her sounds (ignoring the instructions for tempi) and is CONSISTENTLY under pitch. I enjoy his singing more (and liked the added aria) although his top is forced, but I've never seen a DVD of them doing this. I have to disagree about ACT II of this version, it's fabulous!!!! :)

Benjamin7519 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I have completely viewed this version, and the Gheorghiu/Alagna version. Between those two, I enjoy the rhythm of the Gheorghiu version, in this version, Act II "Fiori Freschi" is slaughtered!

puccinislarondine (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Dude! don't be silly! OF COURSE there are productions all over the world, amateur and professional that may or may not be "subjectively better," but I am speaking of recordings that are in the mainstream- The one with Moffo, TeKanawa, Gheorghiu, Carteri in which either the conducting is too slow or too fast & the singing in most of them is substandard. I don't know if you've seen this entire version or if you're comparing ONE aria - but the acting in this is great to the end, imho.

Benjamin7519 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I have to disagree with you, I am watching the recording of this version, (my music professor played Yvette), and this version doesn't hold a candle to the Sarasota Opera House version of 2008. Lina Tetruashvilli is an unknown soprano, but her adaptation of Magda was SUPERB, and it was a FANTASTIC rendition! Though this is by professionals who have years of experience, I believe that the timing of the orchestra, and the acting is better by the amateurs of SOH.

puccinislarondine (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Another thing about this production is the conducting. The conductor is Alessandro Siciliani and he has the perfect pacing from the first note to the last. In the interview they did of him with Beverly Sills during intermission, it was obvious he loved this opera with a passion. Other conductors don't seem to get this delicate score. If you rush spots, it's trite, if you slow down other spots, it loses interest. Siciliani is a genius, inho. Bravo maestro! :)

puccinislarondine (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I was lucky enough to become Ms. Knighton-Printy's penpal after I saw this performance & wrote to her. I have always felt THIS was the Rondine against which all others are measured. While she may not have the pianissimi like Caballé, her's is a real, passionate and expertly acted Magda. And she looks fabulous too. :) Her 3rd act with Ruggero is absolutely heartbreaking- I remember when I saw this in 1985 on TV from NYCO I wept! And yes, she did have an accident in Tosca, but she's okay now. :)

paulotomaso (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

sublime.

juadan (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I seem to remember that Ms. Knighton was married to a one-time Minnesota gubernatorial candidate. I also think I remember a story of her jump at the end of Tosca in MN--where she either missed the mark or stagehands misplaced the mattress that was supposed to catch her. Glad to hear her beautiful voice.

Ruxton (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

This is beautiful. Much as I hate bringing up other singers (normally) and not wishing to make comparisons- may I just suggest to anyone who loves this aria, do hear Leontyne Price's recordings of it- it is beyond exquisite.