La Rondine review – new version of Puccini's opera makes aftertaste bitter rather than sweet

[Long]

New Version of Puccini's La Rondine Brings Bitter Aftertaste

In a groundbreaking production, Opera Rara and the BBC Symphony Orchestra have brought back Puccini's 1921 revision of his opera La Rondine, bringing with it an edgy twist on the classic tale. Gone are the sweet nothings that once ended with Magda nobly departing Ruggero in search of a more suitable suitor; instead, this version sees Ruggero send Magda packing in a fit of rage.

This change is a far cry from the original 1917 premiere, and it's easy to see why Puccini had initially deemed it unsuitable. However, thanks to musicologist Ditlev Rindom's reconstruction work and Martin Fitzpatrick's new orchestrations, this revised version can finally be performed in all its complexity.

The changes brought about by the revised ending are not limited to Magda and Ruggero's confrontation. The second act also features an expanded nightclub scene, where the chorus and orchestra get in on the merriment. This adds a fresh layer of energy and vibrancy to the proceedings, which Carlo Rizzi masterfully guides.

The cast delivers standout performances across the board, with Ermonela Jaho's Magda being particularly compelling despite her soprano occasionally struggling to shine through against the orchestra's grandeur. Meanwhile, Iván Ayón-Rivas as Ruggero steals the show with his richly textured top notes and charismatic stage presence.

What truly sets this production apart is its attention to detail in conveying Puccini's nuanced emotions. Rizzi's expert handling of the score ensures that every note – from the lilting waltzes to the more rousing arias – has its moment to shine, while the supporting cast, including Juan Francisco Gatell and Ellie Neate, deliver performances that are nothing short of exemplary.

Overall, this new version of La Rondine is a must-see for opera enthusiasts. With its bold revisions, captivating performances, and masterful conducting, it brings a fresh perspective to Puccini's timeless classic – one that's sure to leave a lasting impression long after the curtain falls.

 

[Poised Peccary]

I dunno about this new version of La Rondine ... I mean, Puccini was a genius, but is this really necessary? They're changin' the ending from sweet and romantic to bitter and harsh - it's just not my cup of tea, you know? I'd rather stick with the original 1917 version. And what's up with all these new nightclub scenes in the second act? It feels like they're tryin' too hard to make it edgy and modern ... The cast is doin' their thang, but I'm still on the fence about this whole thing . Maybe I just need to see it for myself, but I'm not gettin' all excited about it just yet...

 

[Virtua K]

I'm loving this new version of La Rondine! It's so refreshing to see a twist on the classic tale I mean, who knew Magda got tossed out by Ruggero in a fit of rage? That's gotta be some drama right there! The added nightclub scene is genius too - it's like Puccini and his team are saying "let's bring the party to 1921!" And Ermonela Jaho's vocals are on point, even if they do get a bit lost in the grandeur of the orchestra. Overall, I'm thoroughly enjoying this production and can't wait to see more of these bold revisions!

 

[Mystic Mountain Climber]

I'm loving this new take on La Rondine ! I've always been a fan of Puccini, but I have to admit, I was kinda expecting Magda to be the strong, independent woman we all love . But now, Ruggero being the hot-headed dude he is? that's a whole new dynamic! The added nightclub scene is genius, it's like they're bringing the party to the opera . And Ermonela Jaho's performance as Magda? Absolutely stunning ! I'm so down for this fresh perspective on La Rondine

 

[Enchanting Emu]

I just saw this new version of La Rondine at the BBC Symphony Orchestra and I gotta say, it was totally mind-blowing ! I mean, who would've thought Puccini's 1921 version could be so edgy? The way they reworked that ending with Ruggero sending Magda packing in a rage... it's like a whole different opera . But seriously, the musicologist's work and Martin Fitzpatrick's orchestrations really make this production shine. Ermonela Jaho's Magda was spot on (except for some moments where her soprano got lost in the orchestra) but Iván Ayón-Rivas as Ruggero? Iconic! Carlo Rizzi did an amazing job conducting, and that nightclub scene was straight fire . What really impressed me was how well the cast worked together to bring out Puccini's nuanced emotions. This new version is a total game-changer – you gotta see it if you're an opera fan !

 

[Sham]

idk how i feel about this new version of la rondine...the whole thing feels kinda forced? like puccini's genius lies in his ability to balance drama and elegance, but this revised ending just feels super edgy for no reason . and don't even get me started on the expanded nightclub scene - it's just a bit too much, you know? i mean, puccini was all about nuance and restraint, not some wild party vibes . still, i gotta give credit to rizzi and the cast for bringing their A-game...ermonela jaho's magda is pretty compelling, even if her soprano can be a bit overpowering at times . overall, it's definitely an interesting take on la rondine, but i'm not sure it's a game-changer .

 

[Dangerou]

omg u guys I just got back from the most epic opera night at the bbc symphony orchestra and I am SHOOK by this new version of La Rondine!!! i mean i've heard of it being a classic but wow the edgy twist on the ending is INSANE Ruggero is literally so toxic towards Magda and it's honestly kinda refreshing to see that side of him. Ermonela Jaho's vocals are SO good but sometimes they get lost in the orchestra i swear elie neate stole every scene she was in tho the conductor, carlo rizzi, is a total genius, his handling of the score is like magic can't wait to see what other opera productions he's worked on

 

[Viking Mall Ultra]

I'm so obsessed with this new version of La Rondine ! I mean, can you imagine Magda getting kicked out by Ruggero in a rage? It's like, totally twisted, right? But honestly, it works so well. The added nightclub scene is genius ! Ermonela Jaho's vocals are on point, even if they do get overpowered sometimes . Iván Ayón-Rivas as Ruggero is absolute perfection - his stage presence is electric . And Carlo Rizzi's conducting? Absolutely flawless . I'm loving the bold changes and masterful execution. This version of La Rondine is giving me all the feels !

 

[Frail Frog]

just saw this new version of La Rondine i gotta say, i'm kinda surprised they changed up magda's ending so drastically it feels like they're trying too hard to make it edgy and relevant in today's world i mean, can't we just leave a good thing alone? the production looks amazing tho, with some talented performances from the cast ermonela jaho's magda is pretty cool, but ruggero's character feels kinda one-dimensional what do u guys think of this new version?

 

[Curious]

idk why people are so stoked about this new version of La Rondine . I mean, i get that puccini's music is iconic and all, but does it really need an edgy twist? It just sounds like a bunch of young ppl trying to make the old opera "cool" again . And whats up with ruggero getting mad at magda? didn't they used to be in love? also, 5 minutes of nightclub scene is a bit too much for me... its just an excuse for them to show off their dancing skills lol

 

[Homel]

I'm low-key obsessed with this new version of La Rondine! The edgy twist on the classic tale is giving me major opera feels . I love how the revised ending adds a fresh layer of energy and vibrancy, especially that nightclub scene - it's like the whole cast is having the time of their lives . Ermonela Jaho's Magda might not always shine through, but Iván Ayón-Rivas's Ruggero steals every show he's in . The attention to detail in this production is insane too - it feels like Puccini himself is conducting the whole thing from his seat . Overall, I'd defo recommend checking out La Rondine if you're an opera fan .

 

[Better Bug]

I just watched this new version of La Rondine and I gotta say, it was really something else ! The way they reworked the ending to make Ruggero act out in anger completely changed the vibe of the whole opera. It's like Puccini himself would've wanted that edgy twist - although he probably wouldn't have liked some parts .

What I loved most about it was how every note, from the slow waltzes to the more dramatic arias, felt super polished and performed by all the actors at their A-game. The conductor did an amazing job of balancing out the orchestra's power with everyone else on stage, creating this incredible energy that just kept you hooked .

And honestly? I'm kinda surprised Puccini didn't come up with that ending himself - he was a genius and all! But even so, it's still mind-blowing to see how his music can be reinterpreted in such a bold new way.

 

[Incredible In]

This new version of La Rondine is a total game changer for me , I mean, I love how they've taken this classic tale and turned it on its head with Ruggero kicking Magda out in a rage... I can see why Puccini would have originally wanted to scrap the ending, but now that Ditlev Rindom's done his reconstruction work and Martin Fitzpatrick has come up with these amazing orchestrations, it's like the opera was meant to be performed this way . The nightclub scene is so much fun! And Ermonela Jaho's Magda is still got some serious pipes on her, even when she's not shining through against all that orchestral noise . But what really gets me is how they've managed to make Puccini's emotions feel so genuine and nuanced... Carlo Rizzi knows exactly what he's doing, and the whole cast is just top-notch . Overall, I'd say this version of La Rondine is a total must-see for anyone who loves opera – it's like nothing you've ever seen before .

 

[Thoughtful Teira]

I'm surprised they changed Magda's exit from Ruggero to have him kick her out instead of the other way around... I mean, I can see why Puccini would want to make it more dramatic, but it feels like a bit too much of a departure from the original story. Still, I gotta give props to Ditlev Rindom's work on reconstructing the revised version - that's some serious musicology skills at play!

 

[My First Viki]

I'm all about the vibes you get from this new version of La Rondine ! It's like they took an old story and gave it a major reboot, you know? The edgy twist on the ending is definitely a game-changer – it adds this whole other level of complexity to the whole thing. And can we talk about how fresh it sounds with all these new orchestrations ? I mean, I'm not gonna lie, some parts do feel a bit jarring at first, but that's just because Puccini was onto something special back in 1921. The energy in the nightclub scene is insane! And the cast, oh man... they absolutely kill it across the board. Ermonela Jaho as Magda is so compelling, and Iván Ayón-Rivas as Ruggero? Perfect casting, no cap . What I love most about this production is how it brings out Puccini's nuance – you can really feel every note, every emotion. It's like the whole thing comes alive in a way that'll leave you breathless .

 

[Ashamed Alpaca]

just watched this new version of La Rondine and I'm still reeling from the experience I mean, I loved the original but this revised ending is like a punch to the gut it's so different from what I expected. I can see why Puccini would've wanted to change it up though, it adds this whole new level of complexity to the story. And oh my gosh Ermonela Jaho's Magda is perfection she brings this depth and emotion to the role that just resonates with me. The cast as a whole is incredible btw Iván Ayón-Rivas steals the show in my opinion his voice is so powerful. anyway, I'm going to have to convince my kiddo to come see it with me ASAP

 

[Tho]

I'm so hyped about this new version of La Rondine ! I mean, who wouldn't want to see a darker take on a classic tale? The addition of an expanded nightclub scene is genius – it adds such a fun and lively vibe to the whole production. And Ermonela Jaho's performance as Magda is everything , even if her soprano gets a bit lost in some parts. Iván Ayón-Rivas as Ruggero is also amazing, his stage presence is so charismatic! What I love about this version is how it stays true to Puccini's emotions while still bringing something new and exciting to the table. The conducting is top-notch too – Carlo Rizzi really knows how to bring out the best in the score. Can't wait to see more of their work together

 

[Horribl]

I mean, can you believe they're bringing back an old revision of La Rondine? It's crazy to think that something originally deemed "unsuitable" could end up being a masterpiece like this! I love how the new ending adds a layer of complexity and edginess to the story. The added nightclub scene is genius , it totally changes the vibe of the whole production. And the cast? Absolutely on point . Ermonela Jaho's Magda is so compelling, I'm dying to see her perform again! The conducting is top-notch too - Carlo Rizzi really knows how to bring out the best in Puccini's score. Can't wait to experience this production live and see it for myself

 

[Deep]

just saw this new version of La Rondine at the symphony hall and I'm still reeling from it the twist on the ending is mind-blowing, Ruggero's rage against Magda has me feeling all the feels iván ayón-rivas as ruggero stole the show for me and ermonela jaho's magda was so compelling even if her soprano got a bit lost in the mix sometimes carlo rizzi did an incredible job with the score, it really brought out the emotions of the story the nightclub scene was so much fun to watch too, the energy and vibrancy were electric can't wait to see this production again

 

[Spectral Wre]

I gotta say, I'm loving the edgy twist on La Rondine ! The new ending with Ruggero sending Magda packing is super bold and adds a whole new layer of complexity to the story. It's interesting how Puccini originally thought it was too much, but now it's a game-changer. And the addition of that nightclub scene in the second act? Genius ! The cast is on point, especially Ermonela Jaho's Magda and Iván Ayón-Rivas's Ruggero - they totally bring the drama . What I love most about this production is how it stays true to Puccini's emotions while still shaking things up. Martin Fitzpatrick's orchestrations are pure magic , and Carlo Rizzi's conducting skills are top-notch . This new version of La Rondine is a must-see for anyone who loves opera - trust me, you won't be disappointed !