she has great tecnique, really. In The last scream fleeming showed a extraordinary tuning, but there are serious problems with her interpretation. The first is that the aria didnt sounds how a dramatic aria requires. Her voice, lightweight and cloying, is not suitable, i think. Second, see her face, expressionless, like a doll, especially in the last scream -when she smiles, in a dramatic phrase!- is totally out of context.
@lord8busy The concept of performing an aria in concert form is "out of context". Shame on you. Even I, who is not a particular fan of Fleming, and see that this is brilliant talent and artistry. Tosca is one of my favorite operas, and I feel like Ms. Fleming did not disappoint. Clearly you are too "lord busy" to notice. Oh right, you're so busy, you need to make snotty remarks about singers with 5000x your talent.
@saxamaphoneguy1 O sorry, I damaged your feelings with my opinion? sorry, is my opinion. I think that Fleming is not a diva in this aria, its all. Fleming is 5000x better than I? of course, I never had doubted that. But, there a singers 10 000x better than I.
You dont need to be Da Vinci or Picasso to have an opinion about their art, even if you've never picked up a brush.
@lord8busy Thank you, I appreciate your explanation. I just sometimes have a problem when people criticize interpretation or artistic integrity of a performer. I agree with you, there ARE singers 10000x better (such as Birgit Nilsson and Joan Sutherland), and I will continue to support that, but Ms Fleming is most respected for her artistry, and although I may not always see it, I should trust the opinions of the great conductors who know more than I.
@saxamaphoneguy1 In all classical music performances, there are always differences of opinion about whether an artist is too emotional or not emotional enough. I am curious what, specifically, about Southerland and Nilsson make them "better" singers in your book. I ask this not in an argumentive sense, but out of curiosity. Better trills? Better breath control? What? Thanks.
QUERIDA DAMA, QUE ALEGRIA OUVI-LA, É SEMPRE UMA SURPRESA FELIZ. A SUA INTERPRETAÇÃO É UM DELEITE, QUE DELICADEZA, SENSIBILIDADE, ENFIM QUE VOZ MARAVILHOSA, QUE NOSSA SENHORA PROTEJA A SUA VIDA E SUA VOZ, MUITO OBRIGADO, DEUS LHE PAGUE, BJS NO CORAÇÃO.
I have seen/ heard so many people sing this aria and Renee is truly spectacular. She looks gorgeous and her sound is so rich and indulging. It's like eating a dark chocolate cake. So incredible! <3 Renee!
No canta mal, lo que no me gusta es como recarga las frases sin necesidad!!! El final es demasiado exagerado, aguantando mucho las notas y eso no está escrito...pero reconozco su bella voz y correcta técnica, además este tipo de repertorio le viene bien.
This is the kind of Vissi d'arte that sends Puccini rot in his gave. The performance is so hideous that it is shocking to realize there are people who think the otherwise.
@mannail888 I'm sorry but i have to totally agree. this was HORRIBLE i've never heard her sound worse. I really dont care for Rene, I know she can sing, but gosh this sucked =/. She can sing, but this was horrible.
I think you're wrong. I think that she is talented enough to be able to sing more than one style. In fact, I believe that is what makes her so magnificent.
this is probably a mean thing to say, but a voice who can sing Vissi D'Arte with such lightness maybe is not a Tosca-Voice at all... I mean... Not-At-All... ;-))
...sure, sure beautiful voice, long phrases and open sound; however, you seem to be singing more "Dio, ascolta la mia bella voce, io canto si bene, perchè me ne rimuneri così?" Wipe that smile off your face (3:59 on), Renee, we all know how beautifully you sing. I remain your biggest fan, despite your being more Nedda than Floria.
sooooooooooooooo00000000000 beautiful it brings tears to my eyes...yes she, the artist, is the most sublime soprano in the world today...we can learn so much from her...exquisite voice ...WE LOVE AND ADORE AND WORSHIP YOUR VOICE WHICH IS YOU...thank YOU you for letting us hear it everyday...XxX
a good singer should hit the note directly without going through many different notes before getting to the one that needs to be sung! that is all I can say...the rest is a matter of taste and knowledge in particular genre. This is out of genre singing. Compare it with Tebaldi and I am not even saying with Canchita Supervia and you will hear the difference if you have ears. But she is beautiful woman, that I can give her a credit
I saw this opera in the Oslo Opera House at Christmas, and though I thought it splendid - hearing Fleming now makes the other pale. I can just feel it in my chest when she sings. No way to properly explain it. Love it!
Yes, she probably shouldn't be doing this role in its entirety, but DAMN this is a fine version of this aria. For all of you that don't like Renee you all can kiss my ass. She is AMAZING.
It has been claimed that this aria is perfect for artists who can weep with their voices. Renee can do that, but doesn't convey the message of the aria. I mean, Tosca reflects on everything that went wrong in her life and expresses her despair with God. Renee does get the sadness, but not the depth of her pain. Her vocal mastery and phrasing are obvious. Callas gets the passion, Angela even provides a little whimsy. They're all great, depends on my mood. I have to go listen to Caballe.
Almost too big for her fach, just about gets away with it.
I just don't get Fleming's italian interpretations at all. So contrived, devoid of genuine classical expression. Always panting through difficult transitionary passages. Just look at Caballe in contrast to this. The difference is stark.
She is a little pop opera for me, with an artistic attack that is a bit more Sarah Brightman, than the vision of classical fine art all the way through. Yet it is, as an instrument, very, very beautiful. As for whether or not she is a great artist, I have my doubts. Just because she is on the great stages so often says little. We could say the same of art on the walls of museums or just because it is on so many tables it must be great food. Ask Monsanto.
@Twisterjoe Are you actually joking?? Did you actually use the names Sarah Brightman and Renee Fleming in the same sentence?? Did you actually equate her exquisite,solid technique to 'pop opera'?! I'm going to go and throw up now.
@SmbwJessiRose Hi. Please notice that I absolutely did not equate her "technique" to pop opera. I called her artistic interpretation a little too pop opera for me. Her technique of production and instrument are glorious. When she begins to sing "Sempre con fe sincero" she also begins to add breathy scoops that I do not enjoy. She does them throughout at dramatic moments, and I, among many, consider those inflections to be destructive of the line of music, and more appropriate to pop or Broadway.
@Twisterjoe "...I, among many, consider those inflections to be destructive of the line of music, and more appropriate to pop or Broadway."
I, among many others, do not agree.
Have you listened to much pop or broadway? Renee isn't.
I love that Renee is brave enough to interpret uniquely. This despite repeated attacks from "purists" who expect all sopranos to sing in EXACTLY the same way as those before them have sung for 300 years.
Renee makes an audience feel arias as others cannot.
@toobusywriting Listen to Angela Georghiu's performance on here before commenting. There you will find a true fusion of music and text, rather than a display of power and technique.
@wks1978 I've heard Angela's performance. She is superb, but honestly, to me, there is nothing unique about her. I don't find her as special as I find some others. She lacks a spark IMO. I can understand and respect why opera "purists" would embrace her, since she is very traditional in approach, but I suppose I'm far from a purist.
@toobusywriting Angela Gheorghiu is nowadays the best singer for this beautiful aria, with all my respects to all other interpreters, Angela is far upon them in power, perfect voice control, technique, expressiveness, in color and warmth of her voice, etc.
@Twisterjoe So you are saying that - if you don't appreciate an interpretation, the singer does not qualify as a great artist. What if others appreciate it very much? Do you mean the Met, Paris Opera, Covent Garden and symphonies around the world (with the greatest conductors of our time) all are wrong and she is.... an impostor?
I've seen critics call her one of the world's greatest living sopranos. Are these critics wrong? Does only your opinion matter when artistry is examined?
@toobusywriting Hey! Thank you for responding. I appreciate the dialogue. Good people often disagree about what they find artistic. It is a very good thing about the arts and about Youtube that we can not only hold varying ideas, but express them. Please notice, that I stated very clearly in my writings, "to me" and "for me" it is not artistic at a high degree. My best friend and I used to debate the merits of Regine Crespin. He loved her. I did not enjoy her in Italian rep. What do you think?
Those negative comments here R by people that clearly do not know the true art of performing an opera aria...Renee is a star, and knows exactly what she is doing, otherwise she wouldn't be gracing all these international stages so often! Honestly some ppl!
Critique,critique..those who can`t do teach..those who can`t teach teach gym...she can sing for me every night...when i close my eyes and emerge myself in the music...it takes me away to a place of serene heavenly bliss...it delves into the inner most of the soul you can get a sense of true meaning and purpose to life.."IN MUSIC AND THE ARTS WE CAN OFTEN CONTEMPLATE THE UNIVERSAL WILL INSTEAD OF THOSE OF OUR OWN INDIVIDUAL STRIVNGS"
No Personlity in her singing. She is just singing notes and not getting into the heart of the music. She leaves me cold.She is not feeling what she is singing. It too sterile. Very boring
@Giovannifabuloso that is just a lie. there is absolutely no truth to that statement. Renee Fleming adds plenty of personality to this performance... just watch her during the last few phrases, and you'll see that your statement is overflowing with falsities.
This is the epitome of the sublime in music. Renee is all things warm and rich and wonderful. There is nothing cold about this performance at all. It's rich, lush, her eyes are warm and inviting. Her body language is engaging. Plus, she sang beautifully. It's perfect. She's perfect!!!!
I keep forgetting to breath, everytime I see (hear) her.... which, in the scope of things, seems okay to me. Infact: I melt into the landscape everytime I listen to this one here!
Puccini is not verrismo. Even if it had been: the scooping from 3.25 onwards is tasteless. And why does she look so happy? For the record: I can´t do it better!!
I had the honor of seeing her at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia shortly after it opened years ago. I was not able to speak for a week without weeping. She is without question, the premier soprano in the world. The control, range, mastgery of styles and language(s) blew my doors off.. while accompanied only by a pianist. All of you Renee critics are smoking crack!!
They are not smocking crack, they are just a bunch of ugly and old gays who have degenerated through their pitiful years into hating everything truly beautiful, talented and successful
They are not smocking crack, they are just a bunch of ugly and old gays who have degenerated through their pitiful years into hating everything truly beautiful, talented and successful
un mezzo soprano che stenta a prendere le note e deve cercarle in basso e suona male, senza parlare degli sforzi vocali che fa con il respiro...mugula troppo con il fiato per cercare una bella interpretazione.... lei é brava a cantare la musica barocca.
She just doesn't have the training an European Opera singer has. So she does what she can. Not bad, just not amazing. If you see the latest work she has done, you understand why she's now singer crossover instead of Opera. You never saw Michael Jackson singing anything else but pop at the end of his career.
Awesome! Extraordinary, indeed! Sharon Stone's manner of introducing Renee Fleming, reminds me of how Joan Crawford of the 1950's would do, act, and say. It's just wonderful! Absolutely Marvelous!!!
Hmm... how odd. She looks like she's about to burst into a fit of giggles at the end of this aria. Perhaps the poor dear has never seen the opera? This might not have been Sutherland's rep (and truly, her high B flat is much freer than Fleming's here), but at least she had the sense to not grin like a cheshire cat after her final cutoff...
@katieboyd1 lol I like how you put that, I wear suits multiple times so I really shouldn't be talking. I was only saying that because it's more common now for women to wear more than one dress at one performance than to wear one dress twice. It's a stupid tradition yes and Renee is not one of the performers who would embody the negative connotations of "Diva" so I guess she's earned the right to wear the dress how ever many times she chooses
@GreekOperaLover I'm sorry if I offended you or katieboyd1 but if you didn't notice I was also praising Fleming for her humbleness unlike some singers with the initials KB. Please make a concerted attempt to refrain from foul language and best wishes to you
Make no mistake - just because her voice sounds right for this when it's amplified that doesn't mean she would be able to do it without amplification. She herself has stated numerous times that the Puccini roles are too heavy for her voice and that that's the reason why she only does certain arias in concert.
I love RF, and for me she´s one of the best singers we know about. I think that her Vissi d´arte is a wonder but it´s very liric for our spinto tradition; so, it isn´t so easy to be ¨accept¨it, but, anyway, to be an artist means creation (if you have the right voice for a role, and she got it for Tosca). One of the best we have here in youtube is Adelaida Negri´s, and the diminuendo from the high B flat in just one breath, (only Caballé, as far as I know, sang it like this)
@mattypsaidso when you critique and compare you learn so much about the art form. I sit for hours listening to different people sing one aria. and when you learn more, and know what your listening for, and where the artistry comes in it makes the next listen all the better: your ear is more acutely trained. When i first started listening to opera I liked it, it was beautiful, but now a well done work will literally have me on the floor crying I become so moved by it. That is why we critique.
@mattypsaidso Unfortunately that is not what opera is about :) It's a contest,a sport, like watching the World Cup. People who think that a good sound, even a lovely beautiful sound is enough, does not understand opera, just as those who think a good, even a great pass is enough to enjoy watching soccer, are missing out on so much about the sportr.
@piax00 that's what opera is about to me. obviously i am just an uncultured, uneducated moron to you- i don't care. that might not have been your intention, but that is what you just told me. i don't think it's your place or anyone else's to tell me i don't understand something - these things bring different pleasures to different people. i don't need a degree in music nor a lifetime of understanding of the kinks to listen and enjoy. so let me enjoy what i enjoy and don't be rude.
@mattypsaidso I'm so sorry I didn't mean to be rude, that's why i put the smiley there - it was a tongue in cheek comment, I get impatient with opera too, i think it is whole game, that was my point. And people get proprietary about their favorite games and sports and have their own take and own language even when they discuss it. It can be annoying, even with soccer, but in opera, it can get extra dramatic of course.
@mattypsaidso I really believe in enjoying anything at any level one wants. And one more person to enjoy opera is a great blessing. I really appreciate your comments, and I appreciate the critical ones here too. Critiquing and comparing is another level of enjoyment, because it is stimulating to remember different versions, passages unforgettable performances, etc. And your comments are a kind of critique too and they are substantial. Enjoy!
For all of you couch opera critics, I would LOVE to see you even ATTEMPT to make the kind of sound she makes in this aria. Yes, she probably shouldn't be doing this role in its entirety, but DAMN this is a fine version of this aria.
@yethica That has nothing to do with criticism. You don't need to be able to sing opera in order to express your opinion on an opera singer. You think that opera critics are opera singers? Who told you that? The movie reviewers are movie actors or directors? Or am I not allowed to say that Johnny Depp is bad in Alice in Wonderland because I can't act? I'm sorry but your comment is childish.
@yethica Being a critic doesn't mean you should be able to do it. I agree this is awesome, but being able to do is not a prerequisite to being able to critique.
Renee Flemming is a phenomenal singer!!! She is working what she has vocally. So what if her voice is thick and syrupy? Many love that about her voice!!! It is what she has, and boy does she work it!!!
I'm a big fan of RF, but this is not her finest performance. Maybe because she was miked she uses too many gimmicks. Oh well, she is still a great artist.
This is heavenly singing. I just can't help but feel that she presses the Tosca button for Vissi d'arte, the Leonora button for Trovatore, and doesn't know the first thing about risks or mistakes. It's almost like she digitally enhances herself. I see people in my drawing class who use the same approach to everything, beautifully executed, but completely unmoving.
When she stays in the right repertory she's great, but this is not one of those instances. I don't know why she takes the legato of of the sections where the voice stays in the upper register, but I have to believe it's because she can't sustain that vocal heft. I hear this singer straying into the wrong repertory more and more......what a waste of talent. Why does every soprano think they have to sing Vissi D'Arte? What's next, Abscheulicher?
@nestersg She is a lyric soprano, but many lyric sopranos venture into heavier repertoire with age. As long as good technique allows them, but she doesn't sound at all like a spinto, especially not as a dramatic. She's a full lyric.
@Turand0t She has a really solid voice, even in all the registers, beautiful tone, great control of dynamics; but there's not much to her as an actress. She makes faces that look sad and pleading and thinks she is acting. Now go listen to Callas immediately after listening to Renée. See the difference? Artistry. Simple as pie. Or is it?
@sillyboydeux I don't even have to check cause I am well aware of what you are talking about. For me it is very simple. The artistry of Callas is unique. :) I have been a fan of Callas since I opened my heart to opera and have an extensive Callas record collection. ;) Viva La Divina. She is my inspiration as a singer.
She is absolutely stunning in almost everything she sings. THIS wa sublime!!! Perhaps those of you who do not know what it is to sing like this should just keep your mouths closed and take voice lessons!
I don't understand why people don't like Renee, I think she's a wonderful singer. I love the way she takes the aria's she sings and makes them her own. It's interesting.
This Vissi d'arte is a little too smiley & syrupy for me. I sang w/Renee in her early years. YES, she has one of the most beautiful voices in the world, but recently has begun to spread vowels for the sake of looking pretty for the camera. She still has amazing control of her instrument but is better with Strauss & Mozart than verismo opera.
being as i am a dramatic soprano, i truely appreaciate her intepretaciones i dont agree w/those indicating that she singing, "listen to my beautiful voice." that is wrong. she has tremendous control and versatility utilizing the dinamics indicated in the music and adding her own to better present the message
Ahh 3.18 to 3.28 might be the most perfect 10 seconds of music ever produced by a human being. Seriously.
phantomunmasked 2 weeks ago
she has great tecnique, really. In The last scream fleeming showed a extraordinary tuning, but there are serious problems with her interpretation. The first is that the aria didnt sounds how a dramatic aria requires. Her voice, lightweight and cloying, is not suitable, i think. Second, see her face, expressionless, like a doll, especially in the last scream -when she smiles, in a dramatic phrase!- is totally out of context.
lord8busy 2 weeks ago
@lord8busy The concept of performing an aria in concert form is "out of context". Shame on you. Even I, who is not a particular fan of Fleming, and see that this is brilliant talent and artistry. Tosca is one of my favorite operas, and I feel like Ms. Fleming did not disappoint. Clearly you are too "lord busy" to notice. Oh right, you're so busy, you need to make snotty remarks about singers with 5000x your talent.
saxamaphoneguy1 2 weeks ago
@saxamaphoneguy1 O sorry, I damaged your feelings with my opinion? sorry, is my opinion. I think that Fleming is not a diva in this aria, its all. Fleming is 5000x better than I? of course, I never had doubted that. But, there a singers 10 000x better than I.
You dont need to be Da Vinci or Picasso to have an opinion about their art, even if you've never picked up a brush.
lord8busy 1 week ago
@lord8busy Thank you, I appreciate your explanation. I just sometimes have a problem when people criticize interpretation or artistic integrity of a performer. I agree with you, there ARE singers 10000x better (such as Birgit Nilsson and Joan Sutherland), and I will continue to support that, but Ms Fleming is most respected for her artistry, and although I may not always see it, I should trust the opinions of the great conductors who know more than I.
saxamaphoneguy1 1 week ago
@saxamaphoneguy1 In all classical music performances, there are always differences of opinion about whether an artist is too emotional or not emotional enough. I am curious what, specifically, about Southerland and Nilsson make them "better" singers in your book. I ask this not in an argumentive sense, but out of curiosity. Better trills? Better breath control? What? Thanks.
monelleny 1 week ago
Personalmente trovo l'interpretazione della Fleming molto bella;il tempo si accorda benissimo ,poichè non siamo in un teatro lirico,ma in un concerto.
Le parole in Italiano lasciano desiderare,ma sono secondarie confrondandole con la voce e l'interpretazione.
1antonn 1 month ago
brilliant high emotion
parsifal12007 2 months ago
QUERIDA DAMA, QUE ALEGRIA OUVI-LA, É SEMPRE UMA SURPRESA FELIZ. A SUA INTERPRETAÇÃO É UM DELEITE, QUE DELICADEZA, SENSIBILIDADE, ENFIM QUE VOZ MARAVILHOSA, QUE NOSSA SENHORA PROTEJA A SUA VIDA E SUA VOZ, MUITO OBRIGADO, DEUS LHE PAGUE, BJS NO CORAÇÃO.
ocimake 2 months ago
Comment removed
benjaminekeloef 3 months ago
Very beautiful indeed, tempo of the aria was just a bit too slow...
khannkor 3 months ago
@khannkor
The tempo choice underscores the tragedy of the aria.
HawneyChile 2 months ago
Superb !! The best thing we can do with these 84 dislikes is just to ignore them !!!!
jasjjb 4 months ago
This isn't about my performance. This is about Ms. Fleming's performance .... and those ill-advised critics who have no musical taste.
HawneyChile 4 months ago
You ate out of your mind fora
madym19 5 months ago
very ordinary voice and she is a light soprano NOT for this repertoire
foratti 5 months ago
@foratti Please post a video of your performance. I'm looking forward to seeing it!
steve1605 4 months ago
SHARON STONE!
oreosphat 5 months ago
don't like it, sorry, MY opinion :D
cremonaspinto 5 months ago
@cremonaspinto would you mind to share me, why you don't like this..
angganabunawan 5 months ago
@angganabunawan No dude, just dance, turi turi turi lalalala (8)
cremonaspinto 5 months ago
I have seen/ heard so many people sing this aria and Renee is truly spectacular. She looks gorgeous and her sound is so rich and indulging. It's like eating a dark chocolate cake. So incredible! <3 Renee!
animepopstar101 6 months ago
The best lyric soprano today! She is not very beautiful in privat, but on stage she looks like a goddess.
Merrillmiller99 6 months ago
bravaaa...
angganabunawan 6 months ago
gena dimitrova... reall dramatc soprano for this.......
opera1980baritone 6 months ago
Just simply beautiful!
robertdamico1 6 months ago
Listen to FLORENCE QUARTARARO
MrSkylark1 7 months ago
magic!
nucisfan17 7 months ago
divaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
CamilaHolopainen 7 months ago
No canta mal, lo que no me gusta es como recarga las frases sin necesidad!!! El final es demasiado exagerado, aguantando mucho las notas y eso no está escrito...pero reconozco su bella voz y correcta técnica, además este tipo de repertorio le viene bien.
MadameBorgi 7 months ago
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ANGELA GHIORGHIU, THE BEST SINGER !
merdenele10 7 months ago
How old she's?
merdenele10 7 months ago
She's a wonderful voice....
I'm a very fan of Fleming!!
The best singer ever time!
Deamutcho 8 months ago
This is the kind of Vissi d'arte that sends Puccini rot in his gave. The performance is so hideous that it is shocking to realize there are people who think the otherwise.
mannail888 8 months ago
@mannail888 I'm sorry but i have to totally agree. this was HORRIBLE i've never heard her sound worse. I really dont care for Rene, I know she can sing, but gosh this sucked =/. She can sing, but this was horrible.
fossilkid4life 5 months ago
@fossilkid4life sorry for you
Netgear320 5 months ago
@fossilkid4life -If this performance "sucked" then there are lots of Sopranos waiting in line to "suck" as much as she does. Simply glorious!!
tvteacher50 5 months ago 4
@fossilkid4life Aaaaah. I'm waiting for the video of your own performance. I'm sure it will be wonderful!
steve1605 4 months ago
@steve1605 i'm a bass!! But i would LOVE to sing vissi a few octaves below. as a matter of fact...i do it already lol =/
fossilkid4life 4 months ago
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@steve1605 i'm a bass!! But i would LOVE to sing vissi a few octaves below. as a matter of fact...i do it already lol =/
fossilkid4life 4 months ago
I think you're wrong. I think that she is talented enough to be able to sing more than one style. In fact, I believe that is what makes her so magnificent.
Gods1Fan4eva 8 months ago 2
I love her. The Beauty & the Voice.
amm1t5 8 months ago
there are no words to express anything so beautiful.
Mr33blast 8 months ago
My God, she is BEAUTIFUL!
Reneefan1 9 months ago
3.18 to 3.25 ABSOLUTE CONTROL AND BEAUTY. Such artistry!
richytenor 10 months ago 2
this is probably a mean thing to say, but a voice who can sing Vissi D'Arte with such lightness maybe is not a Tosca-Voice at all... I mean... Not-At-All... ;-))
MariaCaIIas 10 months ago
@MariaCaIIas I don't think it's mean I think you're right. :)
NJE100 8 months ago
Una vos impecable, preciosa.
zulehec 10 months ago
Ideal.
KlausKecks 10 months ago
...sure, sure beautiful voice, long phrases and open sound; however, you seem to be singing more "Dio, ascolta la mia bella voce, io canto si bene, perchè me ne rimuneri così?" Wipe that smile off your face (3:59 on), Renee, we all know how beautifully you sing. I remain your biggest fan, despite your being more Nedda than Floria.
Gobbi2007 10 months ago
sooooooooooooooo00000000000 beautiful it brings tears to my eyes...yes she, the artist, is the most sublime soprano in the world today...we can learn so much from her...exquisite voice ...WE LOVE AND ADORE AND WORSHIP YOUR VOICE WHICH IS YOU...thank YOU you for letting us hear it everyday...XxX
jenson7720 11 months ago 4
While all the tired opera "experts" goose each other, the rest of us can enjoy Renee Fleming's beautiful voice.
unclealand 11 months ago 16
a good singer should hit the note directly without going through many different notes before getting to the one that needs to be sung! that is all I can say...the rest is a matter of taste and knowledge in particular genre. This is out of genre singing. Compare it with Tebaldi and I am not even saying with Canchita Supervia and you will hear the difference if you have ears. But she is beautiful woman, that I can give her a credit
rubyedelman 11 months ago
3:18 ... no human, that's imposible,
r7diego 11 months ago 3
@r7diego Damn ure right, that's impressive as hell
KOYOLOPEZ1 11 months ago
@r7diego
try Gundula Janowitz's version
dangmills 10 months ago
@dangmills - Thanks !! i´ll find this version
r7diego 10 months ago
is that Nedda from Pagliacci singing Floria Tosca???
henrifrombarcelona 11 months ago
I saw this opera in the Oslo Opera House at Christmas, and though I thought it splendid - hearing Fleming now makes the other pale. I can just feel it in my chest when she sings. No way to properly explain it. Love it!
Toralya 1 year ago 8
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Yes, she probably shouldn't be doing this role in its entirety, but DAMN this is a fine version of this aria. For all of you that don't like Renee you all can kiss my ass. She is AMAZING.
munequitodeebano1 1 year ago
Beuatiful!
And then she does somthing totaly different on the album "Dark Hope"
Amazing woman.
krisknud33 1 year ago
Why is she smiling on the ah's?? I do appreciate her though as an artist and she certainly fills the hall with poise, voice and grace.
minkamagalah 1 year ago
I so want to be able to sing like you Renee. Would you please give me voice lessons!? Love.
marieangel222 1 year ago
Ok, checked out Caballe. Stunning voice, but a little too formal for me. She really owned this role, however.
79barkingspider 1 year ago
It has been claimed that this aria is perfect for artists who can weep with their voices. Renee can do that, but doesn't convey the message of the aria. I mean, Tosca reflects on everything that went wrong in her life and expresses her despair with God. Renee does get the sadness, but not the depth of her pain. Her vocal mastery and phrasing are obvious. Callas gets the passion, Angela even provides a little whimsy. They're all great, depends on my mood. I have to go listen to Caballe.
79barkingspider 1 year ago
Gorgeous singing of course, but seemingly devoid of emotion.
vivsters96 1 year ago
Almost too big for her fach, just about gets away with it.
I just don't get Fleming's italian interpretations at all. So contrived, devoid of genuine classical expression. Always panting through difficult transitionary passages. Just look at Caballe in contrast to this. The difference is stark.
jmiller05 1 year ago
i enjoyed both singing this aria!!!
shanenorth100 1 year ago
I love renee fleming. she is incredible artist.
ETLfromspace 1 year ago
I never like or care for her Italian repertoire but I'd listen to her Strauss on any given day. Her voice shimmers in Strauss.
norisv 1 year ago
COOOOOOOZZZZZZZIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
she sounds more like scarpia
Yoavmw 1 year ago
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LohengrinT 1 year ago
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Twisterjoe 1 year ago
Perfection.
Thank you for posting.
chiquipineda 1 year ago
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chiquipineda 1 year ago
She is a little pop opera for me, with an artistic attack that is a bit more Sarah Brightman, than the vision of classical fine art all the way through. Yet it is, as an instrument, very, very beautiful. As for whether or not she is a great artist, I have my doubts. Just because she is on the great stages so often says little. We could say the same of art on the walls of museums or just because it is on so many tables it must be great food. Ask Monsanto.
Twisterjoe 1 year ago
@Twisterjoe Are you actually joking?? Did you actually use the names Sarah Brightman and Renee Fleming in the same sentence?? Did you actually equate her exquisite,solid technique to 'pop opera'?! I'm going to go and throw up now.
SmbwJessiRose 1 year ago
@SmbwJessiRose Hi. Please notice that I absolutely did not equate her "technique" to pop opera. I called her artistic interpretation a little too pop opera for me. Her technique of production and instrument are glorious. When she begins to sing "Sempre con fe sincero" she also begins to add breathy scoops that I do not enjoy. She does them throughout at dramatic moments, and I, among many, consider those inflections to be destructive of the line of music, and more appropriate to pop or Broadway.
Twisterjoe 1 year ago
@Twisterjoe "...I, among many, consider those inflections to be destructive of the line of music, and more appropriate to pop or Broadway."
I, among many others, do not agree.
Have you listened to much pop or broadway? Renee isn't.
I love that Renee is brave enough to interpret uniquely. This despite repeated attacks from "purists" who expect all sopranos to sing in EXACTLY the same way as those before them have sung for 300 years.
Renee makes an audience feel arias as others cannot.
toobusywriting 1 year ago
@toobusywriting Listen to Angela Georghiu's performance on here before commenting. There you will find a true fusion of music and text, rather than a display of power and technique.
wks1978 1 year ago
@wks1978 I've heard Angela's performance. She is superb, but honestly, to me, there is nothing unique about her. I don't find her as special as I find some others. She lacks a spark IMO. I can understand and respect why opera "purists" would embrace her, since she is very traditional in approach, but I suppose I'm far from a purist.
toobusywriting 1 year ago
@toobusywriting Angela Gheorghiu is nowadays the best singer for this beautiful aria, with all my respects to all other interpreters, Angela is far upon them in power, perfect voice control, technique, expressiveness, in color and warmth of her voice, etc.
Ray0X0 1 year ago
@Ray0X0 Thanks. I appreciate Angela's talent very much. But, for me, I prefer Renee's velvety tone and emotion. To each his/her own. :)
toobusywriting 1 year ago 2
@wks1978 Yuck Angela sounds revolting =/
classicalgal14 1 year ago
@Twisterjoe So you are saying that - if you don't appreciate an interpretation, the singer does not qualify as a great artist. What if others appreciate it very much? Do you mean the Met, Paris Opera, Covent Garden and symphonies around the world (with the greatest conductors of our time) all are wrong and she is.... an impostor?
I've seen critics call her one of the world's greatest living sopranos. Are these critics wrong? Does only your opinion matter when artistry is examined?
toobusywriting 1 year ago
@toobusywriting Hey! Thank you for responding. I appreciate the dialogue. Good people often disagree about what they find artistic. It is a very good thing about the arts and about Youtube that we can not only hold varying ideas, but express them. Please notice, that I stated very clearly in my writings, "to me" and "for me" it is not artistic at a high degree. My best friend and I used to debate the merits of Regine Crespin. He loved her. I did not enjoy her in Italian rep. What do you think?
Twisterjoe 1 year ago
wow it is so greatful and powerful....i love hear voice :)
she´s so good :)
fulsnapefan 1 year ago
Those negative comments here R by people that clearly do not know the true art of performing an opera aria...Renee is a star, and knows exactly what she is doing, otherwise she wouldn't be gracing all these international stages so often! Honestly some ppl!
kmartinez1986 1 year ago
A fine performance even if her voice isn't ideally suited to this repetoire.
SFT24 1 year ago
Critique,critique..those who can`t do teach..those who can`t teach teach gym...she can sing for me every night...when i close my eyes and emerge myself in the music...it takes me away to a place of serene heavenly bliss...it delves into the inner most of the soul you can get a sense of true meaning and purpose to life.."IN MUSIC AND THE ARTS WE CAN OFTEN CONTEMPLATE THE UNIVERSAL WILL INSTEAD OF THOSE OF OUR OWN INDIVIDUAL STRIVNGS"
sbstnpofadder 1 year ago
No Personlity in her singing. She is just singing notes and not getting into the heart of the music. She leaves me cold.She is not feeling what she is singing. It too sterile. Very boring
Giovannifabuloso 1 year ago
@Giovannifabuloso that is just a lie. there is absolutely no truth to that statement. Renee Fleming adds plenty of personality to this performance... just watch her during the last few phrases, and you'll see that your statement is overflowing with falsities.
reecty01 1 year ago 2
This is the epitome of the sublime in music. Renee is all things warm and rich and wonderful. There is nothing cold about this performance at all. It's rich, lush, her eyes are warm and inviting. Her body language is engaging. Plus, she sang beautifully. It's perfect. She's perfect!!!!
khboxster 1 year ago 21
Fantastic
gasmeter47 1 year ago
She has such a powerful voice! It makes me shiver :)
Boone2351 1 year ago
Sublime...
sdsures 1 year ago
I keep forgetting to breath, everytime I see (hear) her.... which, in the scope of things, seems okay to me. Infact: I melt into the landscape everytime I listen to this one here!
walkeriana01 1 year ago 2
3.30 ...amazing
katieboyd1 1 year ago
Love Renee Fleming...
SandrineSoprano 1 year ago
Puccini is not verrismo. Even if it had been: the scooping from 3.25 onwards is tasteless. And why does she look so happy? For the record: I can´t do it better!!
foxchool 1 year ago
@foxchool Puccini is universally considered THE composer of verismo. Don't you know that?!?
goldenthroat86 1 year ago
Gorgeous lady- gorgeous voice- gorgeous everything!!!
Demille40 1 year ago
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much too husky and all the same color...good thing she had a microphone...ending high phrase not moving but silly. Give me Tebaldi or Callas please!
obinoke 1 year ago
much too husky and all the same color...good thing she had a microphone...ending high phrase not moving but silly. Give me Tebaldi or Callas please!
obinoke 1 year ago
she doesn't have enough spinto in her voice for his, but is beautiful nevertheless... not my preferred Tosca though...
mistatomsom 1 year ago
Sharon Stone looks AMAZING!!!!
ArchiducDeBelgrade 1 year ago
I had the honor of seeing her at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia shortly after it opened years ago. I was not able to speak for a week without weeping. She is without question, the premier soprano in the world. The control, range, mastgery of styles and language(s) blew my doors off.. while accompanied only by a pianist. All of you Renee critics are smoking crack!!
tvteacher50 1 year ago 43
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@tvteacher50
They are not smocking crack, they are just a bunch of ugly and old gays who have degenerated through their pitiful years into hating everything truly beautiful, talented and successful
That is the only truth about Opera Critics
LohengrinT 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@tvteacher50
They are not smocking crack, they are just a bunch of ugly and old gays who have degenerated through their pitiful years into hating everything truly beautiful, talented and successful
That is the only truth about Opera Critics
LohengrinT 1 year ago
Gorgeous.
toobusywriting 1 year ago
I felt that!!!! I got goosebumbs
reydogoloyugo23 1 year ago
un mezzo soprano che stenta a prendere le note e deve cercarle in basso e suona male, senza parlare degli sforzi vocali che fa con il respiro...mugula troppo con il fiato per cercare una bella interpretazione.... lei é brava a cantare la musica barocca.
uksaari 1 year ago
unbelievable ...
adelajdasing 1 year ago
Oh my God, she is so clever. The way she sings, she will sing forever.
cantanteporsiempre 1 year ago
Amazing!!!
Od3tt301 1 year ago
She just doesn't have the training an European Opera singer has. So she does what she can. Not bad, just not amazing. If you see the latest work she has done, you understand why she's now singer crossover instead of Opera. You never saw Michael Jackson singing anything else but pop at the end of his career.
chaconazo7 1 year ago
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chaconazo7 1 year ago
beautiful
zzobrabre 1 year ago
Fleming is a great artist for certain composers, but not the Italian ones.
piax00 1 year ago
Awesome! Extraordinary, indeed! Sharon Stone's manner of introducing Renee Fleming, reminds me of how Joan Crawford of the 1950's would do, act, and say. It's just wonderful! Absolutely Marvelous!!!
Od3tt301 1 year ago
Hmm... how odd. She looks like she's about to burst into a fit of giggles at the end of this aria. Perhaps the poor dear has never seen the opera? This might not have been Sutherland's rep (and truly, her high B flat is much freer than Fleming's here), but at least she had the sense to not grin like a cheshire cat after her final cutoff...
nectenorboi09 1 year ago
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toobusywriting 1 year ago
With a voice like that and you want to comment on a dress?
operabaritone1 1 year ago
She's incredible. And that dress! That dress is almost as amazing as what she's doing with those vocal folds of hers. :)
nyorker218 1 year ago
Du Fleming,pas du Puccini.Du reste, le public n'a pas l'air en délire!
abracadabranque 1 year ago
Awesome!!!
Od3tt301 1 year ago
I hate to call out Renee but she wore this dress before at another performance... that is a no no for a diva....
TrebleB4Mi 1 year ago
@TrebleB4Mi
its a splendid dress, i would wear it twice and ruin a stupid tradition that is mostly based on snobbery/proving how rich you are
katieboyd1 1 year ago
@katieboyd1 lol I like how you put that, I wear suits multiple times so I really shouldn't be talking. I was only saying that because it's more common now for women to wear more than one dress at one performance than to wear one dress twice. It's a stupid tradition yes and Renee is not one of the performers who would embody the negative connotations of "Diva" so I guess she's earned the right to wear the dress how ever many times she chooses
TrebleB4Mi 1 year ago
@TrebleB4Mi for us who love the art of singing only, this is bullshit
GreekOperaLover 1 year ago
@GreekOperaLover I'm sorry if I offended you or katieboyd1 but if you didn't notice I was also praising Fleming for her humbleness unlike some singers with the initials KB. Please make a concerted attempt to refrain from foul language and best wishes to you
TrebleB4Mi 1 year ago
Renee is simply breath taking.
elladiaz77 1 year ago
This is stupendous - takes my breath away
dreyri00 1 year ago
Make no mistake - just because her voice sounds right for this when it's amplified that doesn't mean she would be able to do it without amplification. She herself has stated numerous times that the Puccini roles are too heavy for her voice and that that's the reason why she only does certain arias in concert.
Lindow 1 year ago
I love RF, and for me she´s one of the best singers we know about. I think that her Vissi d´arte is a wonder but it´s very liric for our spinto tradition; so, it isn´t so easy to be ¨accept¨it, but, anyway, to be an artist means creation (if you have the right voice for a role, and she got it for Tosca). One of the best we have here in youtube is Adelaida Negri´s, and the diminuendo from the high B flat in just one breath, (only Caballé, as far as I know, sang it like this)
Tosca3211 1 year ago
i don't get why people need to critique and compare. just enjoy it - she has a lovely voice.
mattypsaidso 1 year ago 2
@mattypsaidso when you critique and compare you learn so much about the art form. I sit for hours listening to different people sing one aria. and when you learn more, and know what your listening for, and where the artistry comes in it makes the next listen all the better: your ear is more acutely trained. When i first started listening to opera I liked it, it was beautiful, but now a well done work will literally have me on the floor crying I become so moved by it. That is why we critique.
Loismustdie26 1 year ago
@mattypsaidso Unfortunately that is not what opera is about :) It's a contest,a sport, like watching the World Cup. People who think that a good sound, even a lovely beautiful sound is enough, does not understand opera, just as those who think a good, even a great pass is enough to enjoy watching soccer, are missing out on so much about the sportr.
piax00 1 year ago
@piax00 that's what opera is about to me. obviously i am just an uncultured, uneducated moron to you- i don't care. that might not have been your intention, but that is what you just told me. i don't think it's your place or anyone else's to tell me i don't understand something - these things bring different pleasures to different people. i don't need a degree in music nor a lifetime of understanding of the kinks to listen and enjoy. so let me enjoy what i enjoy and don't be rude.
mattypsaidso 1 year ago
@mattypsaidso I'm so sorry I didn't mean to be rude, that's why i put the smiley there - it was a tongue in cheek comment, I get impatient with opera too, i think it is whole game, that was my point. And people get proprietary about their favorite games and sports and have their own take and own language even when they discuss it. It can be annoying, even with soccer, but in opera, it can get extra dramatic of course.
piax00 1 year ago
@mattypsaidso I really believe in enjoying anything at any level one wants. And one more person to enjoy opera is a great blessing. I really appreciate your comments, and I appreciate the critical ones here too. Critiquing and comparing is another level of enjoyment, because it is stimulating to remember different versions, passages unforgettable performances, etc. And your comments are a kind of critique too and they are substantial. Enjoy!
piax00 1 year ago
She brings my soul to my body!
tcradical 1 year ago
I did not like the Bflat! Sounded weak. Wrong repertoire Renée. What's next Brünnhilde's Immolation!? lol
singinciaran 1 year ago
For all of you couch opera critics, I would LOVE to see you even ATTEMPT to make the kind of sound she makes in this aria. Yes, she probably shouldn't be doing this role in its entirety, but DAMN this is a fine version of this aria.
yethica 1 year ago 26
yethica and prossmiller, so very well said!!! Good for you, guys!
CanzoniPerVoce 1 year ago
@yethica That has nothing to do with criticism. You don't need to be able to sing opera in order to express your opinion on an opera singer. You think that opera critics are opera singers? Who told you that? The movie reviewers are movie actors or directors? Or am I not allowed to say that Johnny Depp is bad in Alice in Wonderland because I can't act? I'm sorry but your comment is childish.
chrishot10 1 year ago
@yethica Being a critic doesn't mean you should be able to do it. I agree this is awesome, but being able to do is not a prerequisite to being able to critique.
Loismustdie26 1 year ago
Do not imitate Callas. You are not able double her.
DmitryMakov 1 year ago
the best live vissi darte in the wide world :D
BRAVO RENE!
kriklun 1 year ago
Renee Flemming is a phenomenal singer!!! She is working what she has vocally. So what if her voice is thick and syrupy? Many love that about her voice!!! It is what she has, and boy does she work it!!!
godivapaw 1 year ago
I'm a big fan of RF, but this is not her finest performance. Maybe because she was miked she uses too many gimmicks. Oh well, she is still a great artist.
teranodon 1 year ago
Good Lord, is this ever wonderful. I suspect Puccini would smack his lips and say, "That's my girl!"
Colo1948 1 year ago
I don't think she really does this aria justice. Angela Gheorghiu verson is much better.
SpaceWalkTraveller 1 year ago
It's beautyfull, but can't compare with Mirella Freni
BoElley 1 year ago 2
@BoElley tg you said it! I LOVE mirella freni and no one can touch her in my book.
dennisdeemii 1 year ago
This is heavenly singing. I just can't help but feel that she presses the Tosca button for Vissi d'arte, the Leonora button for Trovatore, and doesn't know the first thing about risks or mistakes. It's almost like she digitally enhances herself. I see people in my drawing class who use the same approach to everything, beautifully executed, but completely unmoving.
sillyboydeux 1 year ago
renee' bravissima!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!voto7
MrFrancogianni 1 year ago
rene' bravissima!!!!!!!!!!!!!!voto7.
MrFrancogianni 1 year ago
When she stays in the right repertory she's great, but this is not one of those instances. I don't know why she takes the legato of of the sections where the voice stays in the upper register, but I have to believe it's because she can't sustain that vocal heft. I hear this singer straying into the wrong repertory more and more......what a waste of talent. Why does every soprano think they have to sing Vissi D'Arte? What's next, Abscheulicher?
Greg07623 1 year ago
im not a prude but who designed that dress.make da evening paper.
lovesGenet 1 year ago
3:18 ..... what the hell was that. typical renee fleming to ruin the climactic point of the aria. ugh
zander09401 1 year ago
I really don't understand why she is classified as a lyric soprano. Her voice sounds more like a dramatic or at least a spinto to me.
nestersg 1 year ago
@nestersg She is a lyric soprano, but many lyric sopranos venture into heavier repertoire with age. As long as good technique allows them, but she doesn't sound at all like a spinto, especially not as a dramatic. She's a full lyric.
Turand0t 1 year ago
@Turand0t She has a really solid voice, even in all the registers, beautiful tone, great control of dynamics; but there's not much to her as an actress. She makes faces that look sad and pleading and thinks she is acting. Now go listen to Callas immediately after listening to Renée. See the difference? Artistry. Simple as pie. Or is it?
sillyboydeux 1 year ago
@sillyboydeux I don't even have to check cause I am well aware of what you are talking about. For me it is very simple. The artistry of Callas is unique. :) I have been a fan of Callas since I opened my heart to opera and have an extensive Callas record collection. ;) Viva La Divina. She is my inspiration as a singer.
Turand0t 1 year ago
my new favorite version
Giiger 1 year ago
Wow!!! What a beautiful voice and stunning technique. So far, the best I have heard in this aria, in y-tube, according to my opinion! Wow!!!
Mariaaaa8888 1 year ago
She is good, but she is no Tebaldi.
tebaldicallas 1 year ago
She is absolutely stunning in almost everything she sings. THIS wa sublime!!! Perhaps those of you who do not know what it is to sing like this should just keep your mouths closed and take voice lessons!
Pagliacci411 1 year ago
I'm sorry Renée, you have done great things, but this one is not.
Handelove 1 year ago
I don't like this.
Timberke1 1 year ago
I don't like this.
Timberke1 1 year ago
Horrible production as well as enunciation.
Webarton 1 year ago
I don't understand why people don't like Renee, I think she's a wonderful singer. I love the way she takes the aria's she sings and makes them her own. It's interesting.
tenor220 1 year ago
This Vissi d'arte is a little too smiley & syrupy for me. I sang w/Renee in her early years. YES, she has one of the most beautiful voices in the world, but recently has begun to spread vowels for the sake of looking pretty for the camera. She still has amazing control of her instrument but is better with Strauss & Mozart than verismo opera.
RMATHSEN 1 year ago
She is wonderful!!!
VideosAlcides 1 year ago 3
being as i am a dramatic soprano, i truely appreaciate her intepretaciones i dont agree w/those indicating that she singing, "listen to my beautiful voice." that is wrong. she has tremendous control and versatility utilizing the dinamics indicated in the music and adding her own to better present the message
santisimas1 1 year ago 2