Customer Reviews

Renée Fleming sings Rosmonda d'Inghilterra [Highlight]

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This recording has been on line as complete for years, in stores for years, and the highlights stae that there is an original full length version. The reviews that complain are not from opera people.

Buy this, if you do nopt have the $ for the complete..but buy the complete even if you don't have the money.

A masterpiece of Donizetti interpretation.

While I found the singing on this CD to be superb, I was surprised to discover that not only are these highlights only but the entire recording exists, and it is not new. One has to wonder when a record company releases Highlights from an opera recorded in 1994 (!) and tries to put it over as a "new" recording. Could this be because at the time of the release, Renee Fleming was not yet the huge star she is now, and the company would like to make a little money? Why not promote the entire recording? Other than this question, I find the CD to be a worthy recording. Renee sounds terrific - no surprise there - but the other singers (such names as Bruce Ford and Nelly Miricioiu, which are new to me but doubtless not to more knowledgeable operaphiles) are equally strong and the result is an interesting recording of a rare work. For my money, though, I'd rather have the entire recording - which is still available.

I enjoyed this recording immensely despite two things I discovered right away - these are excepts from a complete recording (which I imagine is available), and this is not a new recording. It was made in 1994. I must say the only reason I can think of to release a Highlights CD seven years later is the financial one - Renee Fleming is now a big star, and we have her singing this, so let's release a Highlights CD and pass it off as a new recording. Or am I too cynical? One other reason for the release, obviously, is the quality of voices. Ms. Fleming is in great voice, and the supporting cast of (to me) unknowns matches her levels of artistry and dedication. Probably a great option for Renee fans who don't want to buy a whole opera. As for me, if the complete recording is actually available, I'd rather have that.