by Giacomo Puccini Sung in Italian with projected English translations
Jan. 26, 28(m), 31 & Feb. 3, 2007
A Dallas Opera premiere!
La Rondine (“The Swallow”) is a poignant romance filled
with unexpected moments of genuine passion and heartbreak. Verònica
Villarroel, proclaimed one of the great Cio-Cio-Sans of the century, caps her
Dallas Opera triumph in Madame Butterfly with her portrayal of a 19th
century Paris courtesan who hopes that love will carry her on wings above memories
of a sordid past. Don’t miss the debuts of Maestro Stephen Lord
and tenor Massimo Giordano as the love-struck Ruggero in an all-star ensemble
cast!Click here to learn more.
Where have I heard THAT before?
Although not as well known as La bohème or Turandot, La
Rondine is a treasure trove of luminous melodies, one of which, “Chi
il bel sogno di Doretta,” figured prominently in the award-winning soundtrack
for Merchant-Ivory’s 1986 film masterpiece, A Room with a View.
Recommended Listening: Puccini: LA RONDINE (THE SWALLOW) – Angela
Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna; Anthony Pappano on EMI Classics #56338 (Recorded
in 1996).
Recommended Reading: Music Director Graeme Jenkins
recommends “Puccini: A Critical Biography” by Mosco Carner. While
we thought we should promote Charles Osborne’s thorough and detailed “The
Complete Operas of Puccini, ” for a racier read we preferred “Lives,
Wives and Loves of the Great Composers” by Fritz Spiegl. The author’s
dissection of Puccini’s turbulent love life is just the beginning. It’s
like a big, fat edition of “People” magazine for classical music
lovers who’ve got to know more!
Conversation Starter: Puccini famously described himself
as “a mighty hunter of wild fowl, opera librettos and attractive women.” He
combines all three in La Rondine.
