I was actually at this performance, Portland Opera's 1971 season opener, and to be honest, I've been waiting over 50 years for a chance to revisit what was one of the most affecting nights of my young opera-going life. Rondine wasn't a work often programmed at the time, and beyond the Act I soprano aria few folks really knew it--certainly I didn't; but Stefan Minde clearly believed in the opera and threw his heart and soul into it, creating out of all those charming waltz tunes something much grander and more rhapsodically expressive than the slight operetta it's often seen to be. Costa and Campora are wonderfully in tune with this conception and clearly believe in these characters, singing with both passion and delicacy throughout: Campora's characteristically fruity tenor rings out in the Act II ensembles and is particularly moving in the last act pleas, and Costa (if once or twice a touch under pitch) deploys her lovely instrument with real nuance and feeling, filling out the big arias with rich, affecting tone and ending the drama with a final beautifully floated A-flat which lingers hauntingly in the air--just as it has in my memory for half a century. For me this is obviously a recording of great personal interest, a document of a tremendously moving night of music and song, conjuring up a whole bundle of emotions and images, not least the sight of the audience members around me, all of whom were as ecstatic as I at having made this wonderful operatic discovery and experienced such a surprisingly emotional journey; but I suspect for any listener coming to it now the effect won't be all that different. It just seems an inspired performance, led by two veteran singers in real expressive control of their voices, strongly cast right down the line, and lovingly conducted with unabashed sentiment and romantic flair. I'm so grateful to have this available.

Thank you for this performance from Portland Opera. I think the correct date is June, 1968. Miss Costa is glorious. A favorite of mine since her SF Opera debut as Musetta (1959?). This is a superb representation of why she was so popular on the West Coast. Please, if you could find a recording of her Violetta, Gilda, Manon, anything, please share it. The sound is good, solid FM broadcast. The supporting cast is great. More Costa please!

This previously unknown recording is a most welcome addition to the list of recordings of LA RONDINE. Mary Costa brings superb vocalism and perfectly expresses Magda's changing emotions. Ruggero is sung by Giuseppe Campora, in particularly strong voice. The rest of the cast is quite good, also the pacing. This must have been a joy to watch.