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

A New Version of La Rondine: The Bitter Aftertaste of Puccini's Opera

The world of opera often surprises us by deviating from the original intentions of its composers. La Rondine, the Parisienne courtesan opera by Puccini, is no exception. In 1917, the opera premiered with a version that ended with Magda nobly leaving Ruggero for someone more marriageable. However, this wasn't the final word on the matter. Puccini revisited his work in 1921, ultimately deciding to send Ruggero away from Magda, resulting in a bitter aftertaste where once there was sweetness.

The 1921 version has been hidden away for years due to the destruction of the original score and parts in the Allied bombing of Milan in 1943. But thanks to musicologist Ditlev Rindom's reconstruction work and Martin Fitzpatrick's new orchestrations, opera companies now have a choice between the two versions.

The changes made seamlessly into place during the recent performance at Opera Rara with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Puccini's music remains as enchanting as ever, effortlessly switching from flirtatious dance numbers to heartfelt wistfulness. Carlo Rizzi's conducting skillfully balanced the sparkling orchestra and the talented cast, including Ermonela Jaho's beautifully sung Magda.

Jaho's stunning soprano voice was often overshadowed by the orchestra, but her acting chops and presence on stage made up for it. The supporting cast, particularly Juan Francisco Gatell as Prunier and Ellie Neate as Lisette, shone throughout their performances. However, Iván Ayón-Rivas' rendition of Ruggero stole the show, with his vibrant top notes making him stand out as a rising star in the world of tenors.

With this new version available, opera companies can finally experience Puccini's La Rondine as it was meant to be performed. Will this new take on the opera change our perception of its aftertaste? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - the music and performances in this recent production made for a truly unforgettable experience.

I just watched this Puccini opera La Rondine and I have to say it was so emotional! The story's like when you're dating someone and they start to change, you get hurt. Magda's character development is really interesting, she goes from being all about herself to realizing her true feelings for Ruggero. It's kinda like how I felt when my ex broke up with me - not proud of it but relatable . The music's beautiful, I loved the way Puccini uses orchestra to make you feel different emotions. But what was weird is that after watching the original and new version, I'm still unsure about Magda's ending. Is she making a mistake by leaving Ruggero or is he being too clingy? Either way, it made me think about how relationships are complicated and there's no right answer. Overall, it was a great experience!

omg u gotta check out this opera La Rondine now they just performed the new version with the orchestration from 1921 & it's SO different from the original magda's character is more bitter & ruggero's got some major daddy issues lol iván ayón-rivas' singing tho is next level https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/programme/gxj2wv9r

idk why ppl need to pick sides between these two versions lol they both got good parts & bad...i think its cool we can get to see both now tho magda's character growth from the first version is kinda interesting too, but idc about ruggero getting dumped like that iván ayón-rivas' vocals tho? gotta see more of him! also, ermonela jaho's acting skills are underrated

man, i'm not surprised they're bringing out this old version of la rondine again . it's like they're trying to recant on puccini's original intentions or something. magda leaving ruggero was a bold move back in the day, and now it sounds kinda cheesy. but hey, who am i to judge? maybe the new take will make it work... I dunno . iván ayón-rivas' performance did seem pretty fire though . guess we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out

I'm not sure what's more surprising, that Puccini's La Rondine has been hidden away for years or that the new version is actually better than we thought . I mean, it makes sense that Ruggero would have to go - he's not exactly the most reliable guy when it comes to commitment. But what really stood out to me was how well the cast brought the characters to life, especially Iván Ayón-Rivas as Ruggero. He has this incredible range and energy on stage that just drew you in . And Ellie Neate as Lisette? Swoon! I'm excited to see how other opera companies choose to adapt Puccini's work - will they go with the original or try out something new like this? Only time (and more performances) will tell

I'm loving how Puccini's La Rondine is getting a refresh! The fact that we're seeing two versions of the opera now is crazy – it's like getting to relive history. I mean, who knew there was even more to this story? Iván Ayón-Rivas as Ruggero was seriously on point - his performance had me hooked from start to finish! And Ermonela Jaho's Magda... girl, she can SING . The BBC Symphony Orchestra did an amazing job with the orchestrations too. It just goes to show how beautiful and complex Puccini's music really is. Now I'm itching to see this opera performed live - has anyone been?

I'm obsessed with how the 1921 version of La Rondine came back to life ! The way Iván Ayón-Rivas sang as Ruggero was absolute perfection, his voice soaring like a bird in flight . And Carlo Rizzi's conducting skills were top-notch, bringing out the best in everyone on stage . I love how Ditlev Rindom and Martin Fitzpatrick worked together to recreate the original score and parts - it's a game-changer for opera lovers everywhere . This new version has me swooning all over again, just like when Puccini first wrote it #LaRondineRevived #PucciniLegacy #OperaLoversUnite

I don’t usually comment but... I think it's crazy that we're getting to see Puccini's original vision for La Rondine now, all these years after it was deemed too bitter . The 1921 version was hidden away for so long and it's mind-blowing to think about how different the opera would have been if it had stayed that way.

I loved how the cast brought the story to life, especially Ermonela Jaho as Magda – her voice might not have shone through in the orchestra, but she made up for it with her acting and stage presence . And Iván Ayón-Rivas's Ruggero was seriously amazing . It just goes to show that opera is all about interpretation and how our perceptions can change over time.

I'm curious to see what other surprises we'll discover when we revisit old operas like this. Maybe we'll start to appreciate the 'bitter aftertaste' of La Rondine for what it is – a reflection of its time .

I'm loving the fact that Puccini's La Rondine has finally gotten the recognition it deserves! The 1921 version adds such depth to the story, and I think it's genius how they've been able to bring it back to life through Ditlev Rindom's reconstructions . Iván Ayón-Rivas' performance as Ruggero was absolutely stunning, his voice had this edge that just drew you in. The whole cast did an amazing job, I particularly loved Ermonela Jaho's portrayal of Magda - she brought so much emotion to the role . It's great to see opera companies having the option to choose between the two versions now, it really makes you appreciate the complexity of Puccini's work

I've always been fascinated by how Puccini's operas have evolved over time. This new version of La Rondine is really interesting - it shows that even the most classic pieces can be reimagined to reflect new interpretations. The way Ditlev Rindom and Martin Fitzpatrick reconstructed the 1921 score was impressive, especially considering what was lost in the bombing.

The recent performance at Opera Rara sounded amazing, with Carlo Rizzi's conducting really bringing out the best in the cast. Ermonela Jaho's Magda was gorgeous to watch, even if her voice got a bit lost in the orchestra sometimes . Iván Ayón-Rivas as Ruggero was definitely a highlight - his energy on stage was infectious! Overall, this new take on La Rondine is a great opportunity for opera companies to offer something fresh and exciting to their audiences.

I think it's interesting that we get to experience Puccini's original intention for the opera now. Will it change how people perceive its aftertaste? Maybe a bit, but I'm more interested in seeing how it will change our appreciation of the music itself

lol what's up with Puccini tho?? like he starts off all sweet & romantic but then gets salty & bitter like a gamer who got salty about losing a game . and btw, i'm loving Ermonela Jaho's performance as Magda - she totally owns that stage! her singing is on point, even if the orchestra can sometimes drown her out . but overall, this new version of La Rondine is giving me all the feels especially Iván Ayón-Rivas' Ruggero - he's got some serious pipes . I'm definitely checking this out live ASAP!

I'm so stoked that they finally brought back Puccini's 1921 version of La Rondine ! I mean, Ruggero being sent away from Magda does change the dynamic of the opera, but I think it's actually really interesting how it highlights the complexities of their relationship. The music is still so beautiful and catchy, especially in those dance numbers . But what really impressed me was Ermonela Jaho's performance - her voice may get overshadowed by the orchestra sometimes, but she totally owns that stage with her acting ! I think this new version will definitely give audiences a different perspective on La Rondine, and I'm excited to see how it plays out.

I'm so curious about Puccini's original intentions behind La Rondine ... I mean, why did he change his mind like that? And what was going through his head when he revised the opera 4 years later? Was it because of the critics or something else entirely? I wonder if this new version changes our perception of the character's actions and emotions. Does it make us feel bad for Magda for leaving Ruggero, even though she's making a better choice for herself?

I'm also loving the fact that the orchestra and cast balanced out so well in the recent performance! Ermonela Jaho's voice was gorgeous, but I agree with you that it got a bit lost sometimes amidst all the musical goodness . And Iván Ayón-Rivas as Ruggero was absolutely on point - his vocals were stunning! Did anyone notice how much chemistry there was between him and Magda?

I'm excited to see how different opera companies choose to stage this new version, and what changes they might make to the story or characters. Will it be more romantic, more dramatic, or something entirely new? Only time (and more performances) will tell!

man i just loved la rondine back in the day my grandma used to play it all the time when we were on vacation at her place... anyway i heard there's this new version of it that's out now and im kinda curious about it... but you know how its gonna be different from the original? like, puccini's music is always so beautiful and enchanting, but sometimes i feel like the stories behind the operas get lost in translation anyway, i'm glad to hear that there are people who care enough to reconstruct the score and make it available again... maybe its time for me to dust off my old vinyl records and give la rondine another listen

I'm loving how Puccini's La Rondine has been given a new lease on life ! It's crazy to think about how different the two versions are, and I'm intrigued to see how this new take will be received by audiences. The fact that we're finally getting to hear the original 1921 version is like uncovering a hidden treasure trove of music history ! I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for more opera productions featuring this version... maybe it'll bring a fresh perspective to the story and make us appreciate Puccini's genius even more !

I'm so stoked to hear that La Rondine's 1921 version is finally getting some love on the opera scene ! I mean, it's crazy how Puccini went from having Magda leave Ruggero to her being all bitter and done with him. It's like, this super unexpected twisty-turny plot development that'll make you go "oh, what have I just witnessed?"

And can we talk about Ermonela Jaho's vocals? Girl's got skills, but sometimes her voice gets lost in the mix . But she more than makes up for it with those acting chops and stage presence - she totally owns that Magda character .

I think this new version is gonna bring a fresh vibe to La Rondine's aftertaste... maybe make us appreciate its complexity more? Only time'll tell, but I'm hyped to see how it shakes things up in the opera world!

OMG you guys ! I just watched La Rondine at Opera Rara and I'm still reeling from the experience ! The 1921 version was like a whole new opera for me - it's crazy how different Puccini intended it to be . Ditlev Rindom and Martin Fitzpatrick did an amazing job reconstructing the score, and Carlo Rizzi's conducting was perfection . Ermonela Jaho's Magda was stunning (sorry, not sorry that her voice got a bit lost in the orchestra ), but Iván Ayón-Rivas' Ruggero stole the show, no doubt ! The whole cast was amazing, and I loved how they brought this bitter aftertaste to life . Can't wait to see what other surprises opera has in store for us! #LaRondine #PucciniReimagined #OperaMagic #NewTake

I've gotta say, the whole La Rondine situation has me thinking about how art can be reinterpreted and reimagined over time . Puccini's original intentions were just one version of the story, and it's fascinating to see how his music could be reworked to fit a new narrative. The fact that Ditlev Rindom was able to reconstruct the 1921 version is a testament to the power of musicology and the dedication of opera enthusiasts .

What I think is really interesting is how this new production makes you feel about the story and its characters . The recent performance at Opera Rara had all the magic of Puccini's original score, but with an added layer of complexity thanks to the 1921 version. It made me appreciate Magda's character even more - her struggles with Ruggero and her own sense of identity are so relatable .

The casting was also spot on, particularly Ermonela Jaho's stunning performance as Magda . Her voice may have been slightly overshadowed by the orchestra at times, but she brought such depth and nuance to her acting that it made up for it entirely . And Iván Ayón-Rivas' rendition of Ruggero was absolutely captivating - I'm definitely keeping an eye on him as a rising star in the opera world .

I'm totally with Puccini here, you know? I mean, who needs happy endings anyway? The 1921 version is way more interesting and shows that even Puccini wasn't afraid to get real about relationships and love. Ruggero's all like "I'll just leave Magda for someone better" and it's soooo not romantic. And let's be real, Iván Ayón-Rivas' voice was the highlight of the whole show. I loved how his powerful notes made him stand out as this brooding, tortured artist type. Plus, the orchestra was on point too - all that drama and flair just added to the whole experience. Bring on the angst!