Renée Fleming: By Request

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.