Puccini was attempting to write a sort of operetta when he wrote "La Rondine" and in this performance, sung in German, it rather does sound like a more dour Lehar work. Zallinger knew his operetta very well and his lithe, flowing support gives Puccini a joy and hope we don't often hear.By 1952 Welitsch was past her vocal peak, but she makes a lovely, slightly world-weary Magda. Her voice is still firm enough, she has no trouble with the top, but she tends to get off the highest notes as quickly as possible. The underrated Siebert is a charming Lisette (she would be Bayreuth's Woglinde in the Ring cycle for a number of seasons). Dermota sounds the lovelorn, naive Ruggero to the life. His sweet, melancholy-tinged tenor is perfect for the role. Kmentt makes something very positive of the other tenor role Prunier and a young Berry already brings distinction to Rambaldo. The sound is excellent.The radio station may have only allotted 90 minutes for the entire show. Even so enough of Puccini's magic is here for us to savor and enjoy.