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Product Description
Surely, Ren¨Ĥe Fleming has one of the most beautiful voices to be heard anywhere today. It combines velvety warmth, creamy richness, soaring radiance, and flawless purity, and seems to flow out without effort, every tone impeccably centered and in tune, capable of almost too much variety of color and nuance. Fleming's breath control is incredible; she can spin out long, arching phrases and build up climaxes with thrilling intensity. The program of this recital displays Fleming's vocal and dramatic gifts to full advantage, and includes both familiar and lesser-known arias from Italian and French operas. Although some of these are not in her repertoire, she clearly feels close to them. The three opening Puccini favorites from Gianni Schicchi, Madama Butterfly, and La Boh¨¨me are a bit fussy and over-inflected, hardly suited to the characters' simplicity; but, from then on, Fleming seems completely at one with both her tragic and her lighthearted heroines. She captures their warm inwardness, rapture, passion, ecstasy, and desperation; darkening and lightening her voice at will. Her top notes soar gloriously, her trills laugh. The orchestra is splendid, supporting her all the way and sounding wonderful. --Edith Eisler
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Customer Reviews: - Total bliss
This collection is not quite what I would normally listen to - this introduction from a person whose favorite operas are Berg's "Wozzeck" and Bartok's "Bluebeard's Castle." That said, a recording this beautiful, with one of the world's great singers in spectacular form, is hard to resist. It would take too long to comment on each track, but (in no particular order) here are some favorites. "Pagliacci" has never been one of my favorite operas, but Fleming does the "Stridono lassu" with impressive phrasing and drama. Catalani's "Ebben? Ne andro lontana" from "La Wally" is just gorgeous. And "Signore, ascolta" from "Turandot" is surely one of the most moving versions ever of this often-sung aria. This is a recording of crowd-pleasing favorites, and honestly, it would be hard to imagine such an assortment better sung than this. Sensitive accompaniment, as well, from Sir Charles Mackerras and the outstanding London Philharmonic. Definitely one for fans of Ms. Fleming, or fans of rapturous, intelligent singing in general....more info - She does it agian
Renee Fleming does a fabulous job in this cd. If you are looking for a great recording of great arias, then search no more!...more info - This CD is defective and I request to exchange it.
This CD is defective, and unfortunately I did not listen to it enough in the first few months to discover that there are problems with tracks 11, 12 and 13. There does not seem to be any way to contact customer service if the order is more than 30 days old, and I would really like to exchange the defective CD for another copy that works on all tracks. Please contact me by Email and let me know how this CD can be exchanged....more info - Who cares??
This album reminds me of a supposed quote from Maria Callas. Callas while listening to a radio broadcast of another soprano turned to her companion and said. "What a lovely voice! But who cares???" Ms Fleming sings everything with great beauty and lush tone but no character! Not once did I feel she was involved in any of these womens situations. Butterfly and Manon may as well be the same woman. If you want to hear how some of this music can really sound buy almost any album by Rentata Scotto,Maria Callas or Renata Tebaldi....more info - The New La Divina
Renee Fleming is the most sheerly beautiful voice in opera since Montserrat Caballe. Her Casta Diva is stunning, and the high note at the end of Merci jeune amies is pure virtuoso. I love her Puccini, Massenet and Verdi as well. Fleming said that she doesn't class herself amongst "the greats", but I do!...more info - One of Miss Fleming's absolute bests!
This is definitely one of my all-time favorite Renee Fleming albums if not THE favorite! Her voice totally shines in every single aria on here, and she seems can totally drag you into the world of each of the characters. What can I say? Ms. Fleming just never fails to impress me. Everything that she sings she seems to be able to bring something unique to it....more info - Totally Beyond Words
Though I am an educated musician and have been a serious lover of classical music for many years, I've not been much into opera. However, this disc is something wonderfully special. The beauty of it has gone straight to my heart, and I have to confess to mopping my eyes more than once. Every repeat play of this disc enthralls me more. Renee's voice is beautiful beyond description and I wouldn't part with this CD for 50 times the price!!!!!Bob...more info - First Renee CD. . .
My review of this CD:
*****-AMAZING!
****-Great!
***-Good!
**-Nice!
*-Why, Renee, why?1.) O mio babbino caro-**
I would give this more stars because it was pretty good, but I took off one star cause it did not strike me as AMAZING or Great!. And another cause it is to light for Renee's voice, and another cause I can not really hear her Ab up there! 2.) Un bel di-*****
So much expression on this song-I have not heard a better rendition of it since Maria Callas! BRAVA! 3.) Quadro men vo-***
Same story as O mio babbino caro, only I left one star cause I can hear her high notes up there! 4.) Signor ascolta-*****
One of my favorite renditions of this song! Right up on top with Maria Callas and Monstrat Cabelle! BRAVA! 5.) Stridono Lassu-*****
I'm speechless! 6.) Lo son Lumile-*****
again, speechless! 7.) Ebben-*****
Awe struck!!! 8.) Je suis encor-*****
Took my breath away! 9.) Adiew, notre petite table-*****
I am amazed how much Renee can feel Manon's passion, in my oponion she beat Maria Callas on this one!
Renee- You MUST record the whole opera- YOU ARE PERFECT FOR THIS ROLE!!!!!! 10.) Je dis que-*****
WOW! INCREDABLE!!!! 11.) Je veux vivre-***
Same story as Quadro men vo. 12.) Come in quest-*****
AWESOME!!!! My only complaint is that the intro for this aria is to long- I could care less about the orchestra- I WANT TO HEAR YOU, RENEE!!!!! 13.) Casta Diva-*****
I can't choose whose rendition of this aria I like better-
Maria Callas's or Renee Fleming's? (Its not really fair to compare Renee's voice to Maria's, but they both have recorded this aria!) 14.) Merci jeunes-*****
BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Overall Rating of this CD ****1/2 stars out of 5 stars! Great! and AMAZING!!!!! The only other problem that I have this with this CD is the cover- Renee is a pretty woman who does'nt need to sell herself off like Britney Spears! Just look beyond the annoying cover to find an AMAZING collection of arias! BRAVA Miss. Fleming!...more info - Music to stir the soul.
Intense! Passionate! This is definitely a CD to stir the soul. This was my first encounter with Renee Fleming and certainly won't be my last. Her renditions of "Signore, ascolta", "Je dis que rien ne m'epouvante" and "Casta diva" would be the only music that I would want with me if I were stranded on a desert island....more info - Glorious Renee
I just love Renee Fleming's voice. It reminds me so much of the fabulous Anna Moffo - my personal favorite since childhood. My mother played Anna Moffo records for me while I was a tiny bit in my crib. So try to reprogram oneself after hearing such loveliness in the universe. Both ladies have a creamy voice, elegant phrasing and classical beauty. I agree with the prior reviewer that every soprano should record "O mio babbino caro". And if Renee did not record it, well then we'd be missing her version.
The more that I listen to Renee's music or see her in recitals, the more I adore the lady. The standouts on this disc are "Casta diva", "Lo son l'umile ancella", "Je suis encor tout etourdie", and "Ah! Je veux vivre", "Signore ascolta", etc. ...more info - The goddess of the opera
I first heard Renee Fleming sing about a year ago, and have grown to love her voice more every day. I know that you can find "o mio babbino caro" on just about any cd you buy nowadays, but I have to say that for all the many times I have heard it sung, her interpretation is by far my favorite. Her Juliette soars, and you can almost picture her at the ball. She makes coloratura seem easy, and turns the most simple melody line into something exquisite. Anyway, If you're thinking of making this purchase, go for it! It is well worth the money:)...more info - My first "opera" CD
I have never listened to opera -- the vocal styling of Loreena McKennitt is the closest I've come to enthusiasm for a singing storyteller and my favorite pop female vocalist is k.d. lang.I heard Renee Fleming perform Shenendoah on the Today show on New Year's Day. I was mesmerized by her voice and knew I wanted to buy "Renee Fleming", despite my disinterest in opera. Again, I had never listened to opera -- nothing about it appealed to me. Until I listened to this album. Something about this voice -- an utter purity and clarity and richness that sends shivers running through my bones. This is Beauty! There is no other word. I know nothing about these arias or the operas from which they come, I know nothing about how previous singers have interpreted these arias. I only know that my body responds with a delight I can't explain when I listen to this CD....more info - She makes a 360
She sings here everything we love and enjoy...even though its not what shes singing on stage right now but this is what it makes up think...how can she be this good if she doesnt sing it on stage?! her o mio babbino caro is possibly the best i have heard! and her bolero shows her truely amazing agility that makes her one of the best divas of today! Her la wally aria is perfectly done!!! i havent heard this aria done this well since the Legend Maria Callas....seriously Flemming's Ebben is that great! those three arias alone make the CD well worth but it comes with even more treats ....her prayer to the moon in Casta Diva shows amazing legatos does almost perfectly...her butterfly is well above average...I love her timber ...is soo soothing in the middle and bottom register are sweet light to the ear and her upper register surprises us is amazing booming power...her colortura is really good (ex. Bolero and waltz song )...but there is no doubt that she a dramatic soprano......more info - Tar and feather me, but . . .
Okay, let me set the record straight from the get-go. I REALLY REALLY like Renee Fleming. But his CD just doesn't have the fire that other collections of (mostly Italian) arias contain (try, for example, Montserrat Caballes' collection, "The Ultimate Collection" (appropriately named)). Perhaps this is because I believe Ms. Fleming is ideally suited for the roles she does best, (e.g., German songs, and Russian and Czechoslovakian opera). (In my humble opinion, she OWNS the role of Rusalka. And is there any equal to her "Strauss Heroines" and "The Schubert Album" CDs?) I believe these non-Italian, non-French operas (and songs) she does so well reflect the difference in cultures between the countries of origin of the works - fiery Latin works versus sulking Eastern European works (yes, I know I'll be burned in heck for that one). Okay, enough said. Pluck the chickens and light the fire under the pot of tar....more info - Heavenly Music
Renee Fleming is todays true diva. She still has a youthful, clear, and powerful voice and, hopefully, she will be around a whole lot longer to bring us her vocal talent! Such gorgeous music seems to float from her without effort. All I can say is "ditto" to what the other reviewers have written. Buy it!! You'll have a new love!...more info - Today's Most Gifted And Beautiful Soprano
Renee Fleming, besides being a gorgeous woman physically, sings with the most beautiful soprano voice of the past 10 years. She popularized the lesser known Russian opera by Dvorak, Rusalka. Her rich, elegant and powerful voice is full of variety. On stage, she is electric. Her dramatic performances have thrilled audiences worldwide. Capable of dramatic acting abilites as well as gorgeous singing, she represents al that the art of opera has to offer. On this cd, we are treated to a great profile through arias. Renee Fleming singing Puccini is superb- excellent diction and lyricism, as showcased in "O Mio Babbino Caro " and "Un Bel Di". Her portrayals of Massenet's heroine, Manon, is worth recognition. She sings a heartbreaking "Adieu Notre Petit Table". The tragic roles seem to fit her like a glove. Her colorful aria, "Je vous vivre", Juliet's opening aria from Gounod's Romeo and Juliet, is a fine display of coloratura and romantic inflection. The supreme aria on this cd is her rendition of Bellini's Norma, the master aria "Casta Diva". Not since Maria Callas and to name a second soprano, Shirley Verret, has there been a soprano who has set a new standard. Renee Fleming singing "Casta Diva" is a must hear for opera fans and for fans of Flemig. It is marvelously sung. It is rich with spiritually flowing lines and powerful dramatic tessitura. For fans of Renee Fleming, this cd is a treat. For fans of opera in general, this is a treat. To own this cd, you will be tempted to purchase the other albums she has with her great arias, and her performances have been captured both on film (live at the Met) and in cd form. Brava Renee !...more info - Gorgeous
This album says soprano standard repertoire all over it, but Renee will knock your socks off with her interpretations of these standard hits. Although she doesn't sing much Puccini, her Puccini arias are to die for. Her "Un bel di vedremo" (Madama Butterfly) gives me chills everytime I hear it. Her French arias are also breathtakingly gorgeous. Micaela's aria is so warm and beautiful, as is Juliette's. This is a fabulous recording, and I recommend it to everyone....more info
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