Customer Reviews

Renee Fleming: By Request

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

First things first: I'm a Fleming fan, but I do not blindly support everything she does. She's not perfect, and I'm willing to admit when she's done something she shouldn't. Having said that, her voice is so gorgeous that it's really hard not to forgive her. On to this CD. ... this CD is a compilation. It's intended for people who want a retrospective of her recorded material thus far. However, it's also for true fans like myself, because though we might have all the albums from which these recordings were taken, we would certainly want the three new tracks. And these new tracks do not disappoint. I heard Fleming's Violetta in Houston this year, and her Act I aria was so refreshingly and brilliantly sung that I wished she would record it. And here it is! There are some changes; for instance, she doesn't hit a high E at the end, but rather sings according to the original score. As for the second new track, "Cäcilie," which Renée sings at just about every recital and concert, it is gorgeously sung with full orchestra, for the first time on Decca. I strongly disagree with the Amazon.com editor's comments on "You'll Never Walk Alone," because Renée's recording is anything but over-the-top. Instead, it is refreshingly understated and earnest. The effect is that it becomes a moving song rather than a showpiece. The real standout tracks for me are both Mozart arias, the arias from "Manon" and "Rusalka," which are two roles she has truly made her own, and "Mariettas Lied." And, of course, her "Summertime" is stunning, with a jaw-dropping glissando at the end. So, in sum, I'll say that Fleming fans will not want to be without this CD, because the new tracks make it worth having. And it is a wonderful first CD for new listeners. If you like this CD, you will not want to be without "Beautiful Voice" and "Renée Fleming," and you may also want to explore her "Mozart Arias" and "Signatures," as well as her full-length opera recordings of "Cosi fan tutte," "Rusalka," and "Manon" on DVD (forthcoming). The last thing I'd like to mention is that the orchestral introductions of at least two tracks--"Casta diva" and "O silver moon"--are not included on this CD. But considering that the disc runs almost 78 minutes, we can understand.

I've been an opera-goer for 40 years. I heard Sutherland, Sills and even Tebaldi. I never thought that the Golden Age would one day return but it did! Renee Fleming has a big, luscious lyric voice. The suggestion that she should do Turandot is stupid, if she does this opera and she will do Liu. But she isn't made for the war-horses. Who needs the 1556868563 recording of La Traviata or Turandot? She recorded neglected masterpieces like Donizetti's Rosmonda, Massenet's Thais, then there is her glorious Rusalka... And her Strauss&Mozart interpretations will send you to heaven! Hers is the most beautiful voice today. I can only laugh at those green youngsters who call this sweet lady (I had the honour to meet her) mannered or even evil. She is the new Queen of opera!

Having read the reviews so far, I wonder why opera lovers are so critical. This partly compilation disc is a joy. Ok, so we might have all but THREE of the recordings, but there are many who won't have. IF we choose to buy everything that Deccca issues of this once in a lifetime glorious voice, then that is our choice, but some people need this sort of introduction to start them on the road to discovering a wonderful world of music. For my money, the three new items are worth every penny and more. What beautiful singing. Is there anyone around today who is so versatile, so daring and so obviously enjoying every minute of her career in opera? This enjoyment comes over loud and clear in the three new items. Make the most of being around at the same time as Renee Fleming and enjoy instead of grumbling. I don't think Decca has pulled the wool over anyones' eyes. We all knew this was a compilation disc. Why buy it and then complain?. You could have saved your money but what a treat you would have missed! A beautiful selection, magnificently sung by the finest soprano in a lifetime.

We who are devoted Flemingistas, Flemettes, et al, are probably not going to rush right out and buy this CD. As pointed out, many of the tracks are from previous releases. But, as the title emplies these are BY REQUEST.

You will find the 2 new tracks will support music she is performing this year either in recital or at the Houston Grand Opera and the MET in La Traviata.

Renée Fleming is a HOT TICKET and as such this CD is what I would expect DECCA to offer up. I strongly recommend it to neophyte Fleming fans. My father was thrilled with it as a birthday gift. It contains O Silver Moon and Casta Diva, his two favorite works by Ms. Fleming. This also makes a wonderful Holiday gift for those less classically inclined yet with an appreciation for GOOD MUSIC.

I believe the song list as presented on amazon is incomplete. Add these two.
14. Bachiana brasileira no 5 for Soprano and 8 Cellos: Aria "Cantilena"
15. Carousel: You'll never walk alone.
Anyway, the copy I purchased from amazon had those selections on it.

Ms Fleming, may you continue to delight us and may DECCA continue to offer us your music in whatever form. However, I can barely wait for the Baroque CD.

I first heard Renee Fleming sing in a beautiful production of Rusalka at Seattle Opera in the early 90's. She was incredible, awesome, breathtaking and I absolutely loved it. Since then, however, I have been much less impressed.
She has a gorgeous voice (except for a covered tone that is a la Callas, about which we should be worried!!!!!!!!!) and a great technique, especially for a full lyric soprano that she is. However, I SO wish that she would just SING. She's so awesome, but the mannerisoms, breathy singing and mooning manor just drive me crazy. Again, she is beautiful, but listen to other singers (some with less beautiful and technical voices) such as Sills, Freni, Sutherland, Scotto and you will hear very direct, honest singing....no gimmicks. Please, Renee, just sing and speak to us honestly. I'll love you for it.
Song to the moon is a highlight. Wally is well done with great breath control. I'm not too fond of her Mozart, Dove Sono, but her Rachmaninov is good (though I prefer Moffo).
The Manon aria seriously offends with her sighs and coo's.
Her high notes are secure if less beautiful than the rest of her voice. She does pull a VERY strange straw here, though. In Sempre Libera, she doesn't hit E Flat. However, in her Texas performances (LIVE!!!!!!!!) she does and it's great. This is the most strange thing. Usually singers do the hard stuff on record and the easier in public. E strano indeed!

One can accuse Renee Fleming of many things but not that her dinging is "ugly" or "tasteless". She has one of the most beautiful voices ever to be heard in the business combined with an incredible range for a full lyric soprano. Her best roles are, without a doubt, bel canto and lyric parts such as Rosmonda, Armida, Michaela, Wally, Marschallin (!), Manon, Thais (!) etc. etc. Like every other singer in the business she made better and not so good recordings. (How about the bel canto tracks on the Tebaldi-Festival, tracks Tebaldi had had witheld for a reason), Kiri te Kanawa's Tosca, Joan Sutherland's Michaela etc. But she has an instrument given by god. Incredibly beautiful and rich, colourful and creamy. This new recital with repertoire made for her voice is much better than "Bel Canto" which I also liked but Renee sounds much better now in bel canto than she did then. If one were to live for negativity only lets condemn Sutherland for her mushy sound, Sills for her smallish middle, Tebaldi for her flat top... But why should one do that? Lets enjoy the positive aspects of all those greats. After having seen the Manon with Fleming I immediately booked a ticket for her upcoming Thais in Vienna. (In concert)
Renee Fleming is America's leading primadonna today. And she's there for a reason. And regarding mannerisms: What would you call Sills' re-writing and over-ornamenting every belcanto role she sang?

I cannot wait to hear her in "Capriccio", I bought my tickets months ago!!! Brava Renee, another great album!

One or two persons are posting one-star reviews in a row out of jealousy. Ignore them and listen to America's great primadonna: Renee Fleming! A voice like an angel!

WOW! Her voice is SO beautiful! How can a beautiful woman such as Fleming be blessed with such a voice? God gave her most precious gifts and she presents them here in full bloom! Brava!

Suddenly critics are believeable in your opinion? Well, your beloved Sills' caricatures of an Aida, Michaela, Carmen (!), Thais and late screeching of belcanto (In the late years) were "lambasted" too. So what? What about Sills' MANNERED way of rewriting every line the composer wrote? Her Anna Bolena is filled with such "mannerisms", as is her Lucia. Some very severe critics called Sills' glassy voice FAKE, ugly, sour, screechy and many more harsh words. So what? I still love Sills. How about the fact that Sills' ornaments were as tacky as H*** but still fascinating to listen to? Give Fleming a chance, or if not, stop abusing her. That should even be below YOUR niveau!