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Patricia Racette was Magda de Civry, the 'swallow', who leaves her older, rich lover for a handsome but poor young gentleman who eventually rejects her. She looked the part and most of her singing was pleasant but, unfortunately, a few of her high notes were a tiny bit below pitch. As her young paramour, Ruggero Lastouc, Marcus Haddock cut a fine figure, singing with robust tones and portraying his role with conviction.

As the opera's secondary romantic couple, Prunier and Lisette, Amanda Squitieri and Greg Fedderly were impressive; although any comedy about Lisette, a maid, having borrowed her employer's gown is rather old. Squitieri sang with a radiant silver sound and Fedderly was a valiant beau who sang with polished notes. Veteran artist David Pittsinger was a good looking, intense Rambaldo who probably would have taken Magda back if she had chosen to return to him.

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