My favorite part is from 4:30 to 4:45 where she falls silent. I feel I should be praying on my knees to hear her voice again. Then at 4:47 my prayers are rewarded and her voice comforts my heart and I feel I can do the impossible. BRAVO
I love the moment of silence at the end of her performance, it is a testament to the beauty of it. The audience at first seems like they are awakening from a dream, then they all take a collective breath into real life, and finally rapturously applaud Ms. Fleming. I think that if i were a performer, i would live for a moment like that.
UMA DAS INTERPRETAÇÕES MAIS TOCANTES QUE JA OUVI, MARAVILHOSO!!!, QUE ENTREGA TOTAL DO SER A UMA OBRA DE ARTE COMO ESTA, DEUS ABENÇÕE A SUA VIDA E SUA VOZ, NOSSA SENHORA TE PROTEJA, MARAVILHOSO!!!
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Someone mentioned Celine Dion somewhere in these commentaries. Actually Fleming´s style has become rather similar; the opening is spoken like a pop ballad, in terrible Italian, and full of phoney emotion. The deep, sincere emotion which Verdi conveys through his exquisite line is wrecked by her singing.Her designer clothes are indicative of thew fact she has become a marketed product rather than a great artist.
@chueca So great artists can't wear nice clothes? One would think they would the be ones most deserving! And historically, they are the most lavished upon! I can't say I love Fleming, but your argument there seems a bit silly to me :)
I appreciate that everyone has their own opinon's and everything, but I find all the criticisms of Fleming slightly hyper-critical. She is prown to melodrama in her style and her phrasing is slightly jarring at times, but her voice is stunning: the best Solti ever heard he claimed (along with Tebaldi). She wouldn't have the critical acclaim she does, as well as being the Prima Donna at the Met if she wasn't a truly great singer
A lot of over-zealous acting attemps, big, gushing phrasing.
I've never been sold on Fleming at all. Her italian is often mispronounced, takes huge cuts of breath at every transitionary passage, and often takes the beauty out of genuinely sincere arias such as this. Give me Caballe/Tebaldi anyday!
I prefer a more subdued performance than Fleming's, with greater delicacy and less melodrama, at least in the beginning. To me, the great thing about this aria is how it starts out as just a recitation - Desdemona's standard ritual before bed. But when she gets to "Gesù," something inside her responds to the words with a swell of emotion, and her rote repetition of this well-known (albeit inaccurately rendered) prayer becomes a deeply personal expression of genuine faith in the midst of despair.
Hail Mary, full of grace, chosen among the brides and the virgins art Thou, be blessed the fruit, oh blessed one, of Thy maternal womb, Jesus. Pray for who adoringly prostrates himself, pray for the sinner, for the innocent one and for the weak oppressed one and for the powerful, wretched also he, Thy mercy display, Pray for who under outrage bow their heads and under the evil fate. For us Thou pray always and in the hour of death ours, pray for us. Hail Mary...Hail! Amen
Hail Mary, full of grace, chosen among the brides and the virgins art Thou, be blessed the fruit, oh blessed one, of Thy maternal womb, Jesus. Pray for who adoringly prostrates himself, pray for the sinner, for the innocent one and for the weak oppressed one and for the powerful, wretched also he, Thy mercy display, Pray for who under outrage bow their heads and under the evil fate. For us Thou pray always and in the hour of death ours, pray for us. Hail Mary...Hail! Amen
This is so wrong. I think Ms Fleming does some things beautifully. But this is just wrong.
That look in the beginning and the way she does the aaaas, it's horrible and tacky. Desdemona is not some new age pseudo christian freak. There is supposed to be a sense of simplicity and humility. She is praying for herself and for others, she is not being desperate but noble. Why does everything have to be such a show these days??? Have we lost all our sense for the simple honest things of life???
This is so wrong. I think Ms Fleming does some things beautifully. But this is just wrong.
That look in the beginning and the way she does the aaaas, it's horrible and tacky. Desdemona is not some new age pseudo christian freak. There is supposed to be a sense of simplicity and humility. She is praying for herself and for others, she is not being desperate but noble. Why does everything have to be such a show these days??? Have we lost all our sense for the simple honest things of life???
@mahsef - you are sooo right. Renee has the tools and a big repertoire but so often gets it wrong somehow. Her art is copied. She is showy and often false.
@mahsef Even though you do have a valid point, you need to realize that this is a concert, and not the actual Opera. So if she acted modestly, it would have just seemed as though she had no emotion. And even though it is a bit overacted in the beginning, it still sounds fantastic!
@SouthPacific005. It's not the overacting that really bothers me. The idea of feeling cold and the holding of the coat is a good one and works for the concert. But the emotions don't seem real, it seems like she is trying to imitate what she thinks sounds Italian. I know if she sang it in English it would be a whole other story, but an international opera star at this stage of the career shouldn't have to imitate Italian anymore...
@mahsef - I have to agree with you. Fleming does tend to overact in concert. You do have to modulate your performance to suit the context, because certain dramatic conceits feel false and overdone from the concert stage. Her voice is so gorgeous and velvety, but she does have some vocal ticks, like chewing her vowels, and swooping (for emotional effect?) that annoy me. It's just personal taste -- but I find the swooping a little tacky.
I couldn't disagree with you more.. Give me her emotions, drama, acting anytime over so many stone-faced sopranos. To me, it only adds in a positive way to her performences, which I think,are fabulous. What a voice.
Callas was very dramatic too, and I loved her for it as well.
I couldn't disagree with you more.. Give me her emotions, drama, acting anytime over so many stone-faced sopranos. To me, it only adds in a positive way to her performences, which I think,are fabulous. What a voice.
Callas was very dramatic too, and I loved her for it as well.
Of course she does this flawlessly, it is within the reaches of her musical temperament and her vocal capacity. When she steps into Pirata, etc. it just does not work for her; she does not understand the intricacies of that romantic style of singing. But here she takes your breath away. Who cares about what she's wearing?
I guess she is wearing Issey Miyake and I loved it ! It is not about what she is wearing but how she is singing and how she is the best Desdemona ! By the way she is looks gorgeous!!
It's not peculiar to comment on how a performer chooses to present herself to the public. And elizabeth, you are right, she has had some really beautiful costumes, but I find that the UGLINESS of some of the things she has worn onstage to be distracting from her performance, and that's not what any artist wants. I love this aria and think she sings it very well, so it's unfortunate that her attire detracts from that. Just sayin.
More importantly, what is she wearing...? Renee, your stylist is blowing it. I can't listen to your luscious voice because I'm so distracted by the burka/apres ski gear you seem to be wearing.
@sidhe9 This was taken some years ago but lately Fleming has been haute coutured by the likes of Lagerfeld. There was a turning point. Her multi-layered clothes no longer cloaked her and noticeably she slimmed down, chubiness disappeared. etc. She is beautiful and sings wonderfully. I just don t like her Diva-flushiness.
What a performance. I could see Verdi giving Renee a standing ovation. She brings out the spirit of this masterpiece. I so much enjoyed it. Capo Lavoro, Renee.
Love your effort Renee, but don't overdue it with the acting, opera should be about the music and the singing far over acting. Your voice is gorgeous; be sincere with the music, and the acting should be there.
Clearly you are more of an observer than a performer. Acting, or any other theatrical embellishment, puts the musician in an altered state of consciousness where there is really a minimal focus on trying to act and an unnatural degree of focus on channeling the music. It allows you to become a more perfect conduit for the music to be channeled through. This is especially true for singers since the instrument in question is all you.
Actually, I'm just as much of a performer as an observer, I have much stage experience. I completely get what you're saying though. It's true that performing brings you to a totally different level. I have seen Renee at other times where she is more about the music than the acting, which is what I tend to prefer of her.
opera is not only about music. Yes, it is true that the musical element is the most dominant one but acting is very important not only the movements and mimics but also the musical decisions should be according to acting. All the big divas (callas, gencer, price...etc) had an incredible talent of acting as well as trespassing the emotions trough music.. And plus you know when you sing you do not think about your movements they come automatically. You lost yourself in music and it leads you.
You have a very good point! I've actually really started listening to Renee a lot more in the past month when I first commented. I have really grown to love her, especially compared to before when I have years of not being her biggest fan. I think the acting would be fine on stage, but this is simply a concert, where like I said, the focus would be simply on the music (perhaps with a little acting to emphasize). In a full opera setting, this would be a fantastic rendition!
plus we should remember that she was sining in a big concert hall. When you are performing in a bigger theatre your acting has to be "bigger" so the audience can see you better. Opera acting is not for close shots!
have been listening to all the soprano s on you tube singing the ave maria and am diturbed at these great singers who take a prayer and make it into the "imolation scene" Scotto after seemingly going through rehab ends up practically under the bed Price is totally unidiomatic and Fleming gulps and frets from the start. Tekanawa,sings it more simply and is better by far.Tebaldi, can only be experienced .She is the only one that achieves Verdi s wishes ,that dedemona represents all human goodness
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As always, the rendition is sublime, cleary rendering the text in a true mélange of meaning with the music. This IS verisimo. smilingsuzy: If you think its overdone, you are missing the point as the colour of the music demands this style, with grace off course, which in this case there is no question it has been achieved.
Trop "maniéré". Pourquoi une si grande star a toujours besoin d'en rajouter autant. Sans les sanglots les sons poitrinés et les respirations bruyantes...ca serait parfait.
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If this piece were performed without any of those things it would become vapid at best. This is one of Ms. Fleming's best pieces. I'm not going to peg you for someone who doesn't know what this song is about, so I'm confused as to why you wouldn't appreciate the emotion she conveys.
Perhaps I should have been clearer. I found her emotional delivery a bit overdone, but that's not to say I don't find her singing lovely and, at some points, moving. I'd hardly call the piece "vapid," however, if it lacked some of these mannerisms.
Yeah, I mean he could have at least given the artist the courtesy of not hacking up a big loogie while she was embracing the beauty of the silence between her voice and the orchestra. Instead, Mr. "I Need a Lozenger" was like "hey let me fuck up this piece by coughing DIRECTLY into the mic without covering my mouth or anything; that sounds like a great idea!" Fuck you, Sir Spitsalot; I hate you.
Okay, how can someone listen to this gorgeous voice and even start to compare it to those of wannabes like sarah brightman....is there a problem here or is it just me?
Il tempo di riprendersi,lo spazio per non infrangere l'incanto...e anche il pubblico in sala,attonito,applaude.Impossibile non commuoversi per questo canto dell'anima,una vera preghiera! Sublime quel soffio luminoso,trascendente del LA finale,in contrasto col realistico,profondo AMEN conclusivo. un lampo e un tuono...la speranza e l' accettazione,tutta femminile,del dolore.Grazie,Renée.
Sono d'accordo con questa... Renee e una diva umile ed e la migliore in questo ruolo. Lei e una perla, con una voce benedetta da Dio! In questo ruolo si e paragonabile alle grandi Tebaldi e Te Kanawa, che e raro per i cantanti di oggi!
whenever I hear Renee sing this I really just cry my eyes out!! She's such an amazing interpreter of the music and every fiber of her being is expressing the emotion of this amazing aria. She's amazing.. I love her! And you can tell she herself is close to crying!! There are tears in those beautiful blue eyes!
It's impossible not to cry when you hear her singing this, she feels every note she produces...she is perfect in this role along with most of the roles she sings. I can realy look at her and see Desdemona and not renee...
I'm 40 now and have been involved with opera as a professional and a fan for 23 years. I've moved past the picking it apart stage. I just loved this, period. Exquisitely sung, naturally acted.
You are so right. We are so lucky in recordings and live performance to have access to all these glorious artists. They are of course all fallible humans as we are.
Just enjoy is the code. As part of the human race, this old boy is knocked out by this stunning woman making these amazing sounds.
i agree! with what ever flaws people may think she has you can't listen to this and tell me it wasnt absolutely beautiful! its live music never perfect but always perfect... i think this was perfect
Couldn't agree with you more..this is beautiful...however, I also had the great pleasure of hearing Kiri sing this in her unplanned debut at the MET back in 1974...I was 17, and my life hasn't been the same since...a truly a life altering event.
Sometimes a mic can actually hinder a singer and that's what it's doing here. She's not singing loudly enough and as a result, she's whispering and crooning and that's not opera. Her interpretation is too intimate for the style of opera. With a more grand style of singing, one cannot let all those nasty habits sneak in. However, I do have to say, you forget all of that when she emits that Bb at the end. Even with all her mannerisms, Renée sings this the best.
3/4 fantastic / 1/4 quite bad. Strange ! The bad things are the begining ( ! ) and sometimes a few words in a strange italian and a controversial style. But also amazing inspirations and deep interpretation...So ? Probably fantastic on stage but There are better rercordings.
No singer has perfect foreign diction, and you will rarely ever see a non-English speaker sing any of the English rep., so just appreciate her effort :)
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No no no! It isn's so good. The first part is too much, this is an opera, not a popsong or a musical. The orcherstra is very professional, but Reneé isn't good enough.
I love this lady and this aria OMG
discodon3 1 week ago in playlist Favorite videos
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My favorite part is from 4:30 to 4:45 where she falls silent. I feel I should be praying on my knees to hear her voice again. Then at 4:47 my prayers are rewarded and her voice comforts my heart and I feel I can do the impossible. BRAVO
loribomb 1 month ago
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loribomb 1 month ago
Calling this performance an Absolute Perfection does not do it justice.
loribomb 1 month ago
I love the moment of silence at the end of her performance, it is a testament to the beauty of it. The audience at first seems like they are awakening from a dream, then they all take a collective breath into real life, and finally rapturously applaud Ms. Fleming. I think that if i were a performer, i would live for a moment like that.
TheOpusofCharlie 2 months ago
always watch this video... Renee is PERFECT!
wilhelmlds 3 months ago
Superb. As good as it gets.TY Onegin 65 for posting.
paulostroff99 4 months ago
My last name is Fleming aswell you bunch of arseholes!
1995Scotsman 4 months ago
She is absolutely PERFECT here. No one sings Desdemona like Renee.
jawhitney25 5 months ago
la migliore desdemona del mondo!
maryp1984 5 months ago
I have seen her 2 weeksago in the role of desdemona in Otello...She was breathtaking!Love her!
iyamt 6 months ago
She sings so sweetly! What a beautiful moment.
Flemingthefab 7 months ago 3
Good voice!
vasiles2 7 months ago
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magnifique voix et magnifique interprétation d'une cantatrice qui manie sa voix avec une immense talent. que d'heures de travail intense !
casta933 7 months ago
magnifique voix et magnifique intrerprétation d'une cantatrice qui manie sa voix avec une immense talent. que d'heures de travail intense !
casta933 7 months ago
magnifique voix et magnifique intrerpreéation d'une cantatrice qui manie sa voix avec une immense talent. que d'heures de travail intense !
casta933 7 months ago
Why is Celine mentioned in this video!?...haha i just can't believe it....Nothing to do with Opera in the first place..
MelWolff 7 months ago
UMA DAS INTERPRETAÇÕES MAIS TOCANTES QUE JA OUVI, MARAVILHOSO!!!, QUE ENTREGA TOTAL DO SER A UMA OBRA DE ARTE COMO ESTA, DEUS ABENÇÕE A SUA VIDA E SUA VOZ, NOSSA SENHORA TE PROTEJA, MARAVILHOSO!!!
ocimake 8 months ago
The best part of Otello...
Great version! ¿Is the Paris Orchestra conducted by Eschenbach?
danielgdecastro 9 months ago
Balls to the Italian, this woman is magnifient.
And she's acting, you know like they bloody do in an Opera.
fatisphat3 9 months ago 2
Balls to the Italian, this woman is magnifient.
fatisphat3 9 months ago 2
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Someone mentioned Celine Dion somewhere in these commentaries. Actually Fleming´s style has become rather similar; the opening is spoken like a pop ballad, in terrible Italian, and full of phoney emotion. The deep, sincere emotion which Verdi conveys through his exquisite line is wrecked by her singing.Her designer clothes are indicative of thew fact she has become a marketed product rather than a great artist.
chueca 1 year ago
@chueca So great artists can't wear nice clothes? One would think they would the be ones most deserving! And historically, they are the most lavished upon! I can't say I love Fleming, but your argument there seems a bit silly to me :)
itsthequietones 11 months ago
@chueca Fleming's intonal vernaculation is 'moto brandizi' - and inequitably non mordant .
Tommyfazz 10 months ago
@chueca Fleming's intonal vernaculation is 'moto brandizi' - and inequitably non mordant .
PS also some stuffed bra's on this site could do with a good shake down.
Tommyfazz 10 months ago
This woman, this time, this passion, time is suspended in every blissful phrase, Bravo Verdi, Bravo Fleming.
bparno 1 year ago 8
I appreciate that everyone has their own opinon's and everything, but I find all the criticisms of Fleming slightly hyper-critical. She is prown to melodrama in her style and her phrasing is slightly jarring at times, but her voice is stunning: the best Solti ever heard he claimed (along with Tebaldi). She wouldn't have the critical acclaim she does, as well as being the Prima Donna at the Met if she wasn't a truly great singer
skeenskeenjellybeean 1 year ago 4
@skeenskeenjellybeean Ditto ditto ditto...
tscholent 8 months ago
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skeenskeenjellybeean 1 year ago
Weird to criticise Fleming on pronunciation. She is one of the most able and distinguished linguists in opera today.
celloguy 1 year ago 3
A lot of over-zealous acting attemps, big, gushing phrasing.
I've never been sold on Fleming at all. Her italian is often mispronounced, takes huge cuts of breath at every transitionary passage, and often takes the beauty out of genuinely sincere arias such as this. Give me Caballe/Tebaldi anyday!
jmiller05 1 year ago
its pretty, but it still cant beat Monserrat Caballe's.
Tomeres 1 year ago
I prefer a more subdued performance than Fleming's, with greater delicacy and less melodrama, at least in the beginning. To me, the great thing about this aria is how it starts out as just a recitation - Desdemona's standard ritual before bed. But when she gets to "Gesù," something inside her responds to the words with a swell of emotion, and her rote repetition of this well-known (albeit inaccurately rendered) prayer becomes a deeply personal expression of genuine faith in the midst of despair.
lolaman826 1 year ago 2
She's beautiful, but that dress is wearing her, not the other way around.
sopranosd 1 year ago
The Hollywood-version.......
nikolaimedtner 1 year ago 3
wow,she is something!
artalirica 1 year ago
amazing!!!
MyMusikant 1 year ago
me encanta el final
gerardotovar87 1 year ago
what a beautiful coat! what a beautiful face!! what a beautiful vocal technique!!!
adelajdasing 1 year ago
amazing
lenozzedifigarofan15 1 year ago
I wish the caption was in English so I could understand the meaning.
Kendra1251 1 year ago
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mahsef 1 year ago
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mahsef 1 year ago
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mahsef 1 year ago
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Here you go
Hail Mary, full of grace, chosen among the brides and the virgins art Thou, be blessed the fruit, oh blessed one, of Thy maternal womb, Jesus. Pray for who adoringly prostrates himself, pray for the sinner, for the innocent one and for the weak oppressed one and for the powerful, wretched also he, Thy mercy display, Pray for who under outrage bow their heads and under the evil fate. For us Thou pray always and in the hour of death ours, pray for us. Hail Mary...Hail! Amen
mahsef 1 year ago
@Kendra1251
Hail Mary, full of grace, chosen among the brides and the virgins art Thou, be blessed the fruit, oh blessed one, of Thy maternal womb, Jesus. Pray for who adoringly prostrates himself, pray for the sinner, for the innocent one and for the weak oppressed one and for the powerful, wretched also he, Thy mercy display, Pray for who under outrage bow their heads and under the evil fate. For us Thou pray always and in the hour of death ours, pray for us. Hail Mary...Hail! Amen
mahsef 1 year ago
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This is so wrong. I think Ms Fleming does some things beautifully. But this is just wrong.
That look in the beginning and the way she does the aaaas, it's horrible and tacky. Desdemona is not some new age pseudo christian freak. There is supposed to be a sense of simplicity and humility. She is praying for herself and for others, she is not being desperate but noble. Why does everything have to be such a show these days??? Have we lost all our sense for the simple honest things of life???
mahsef 1 year ago
This is so wrong. I think Ms Fleming does some things beautifully. But this is just wrong.
That look in the beginning and the way she does the aaaas, it's horrible and tacky. Desdemona is not some new age pseudo christian freak. There is supposed to be a sense of simplicity and humility. She is praying for herself and for others, she is not being desperate but noble. Why does everything have to be such a show these days??? Have we lost all our sense for the simple honest things of life???
mahsef 1 year ago
@mahsef - you are sooo right. Renee has the tools and a big repertoire but so often gets it wrong somehow. Her art is copied. She is showy and often false.
chiporlee 1 year ago
@mahsef Even though you do have a valid point, you need to realize that this is a concert, and not the actual Opera. So if she acted modestly, it would have just seemed as though she had no emotion. And even though it is a bit overacted in the beginning, it still sounds fantastic!
SouthPacific005 1 year ago
@SouthPacific005. It's not the overacting that really bothers me. The idea of feeling cold and the holding of the coat is a good one and works for the concert. But the emotions don't seem real, it seems like she is trying to imitate what she thinks sounds Italian. I know if she sang it in English it would be a whole other story, but an international opera star at this stage of the career shouldn't have to imitate Italian anymore...
mahsef 1 year ago
@mahsef - I have to agree with you. Fleming does tend to overact in concert. You do have to modulate your performance to suit the context, because certain dramatic conceits feel false and overdone from the concert stage. Her voice is so gorgeous and velvety, but she does have some vocal ticks, like chewing her vowels, and swooping (for emotional effect?) that annoy me. It's just personal taste -- but I find the swooping a little tacky.
sopranosd 1 year ago
@sopranosd
I couldn't disagree with you more.. Give me her emotions, drama, acting anytime over so many stone-faced sopranos. To me, it only adds in a positive way to her performences, which I think,are fabulous. What a voice.
Callas was very dramatic too, and I loved her for it as well.
chorusinger 1 year ago 2
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@sopranosd
I couldn't disagree with you more.. Give me her emotions, drama, acting anytime over so many stone-faced sopranos. To me, it only adds in a positive way to her performences, which I think,are fabulous. What a voice.
Callas was very dramatic too, and I loved her for it as well.
chorusinger 1 year ago
the way she is standing looks as if she is cold
ElbowsAreForWeiners 1 year ago
Diva
DIEZAUBERFLOTEMENSCH 1 year ago
*applauds*
funnyfacerful 1 year ago
HAHA that 's funny celine vs renee.. I believe that they are just as good as one another in their own genre's but not in eachothers
shayshaymorphinelips 1 year ago 3
est-elle française?
Wildlatinae 1 year ago
@Wildlatinae non. elle est americaine, mais elle parle couramment le francais.
tinatinaballerina 1 year ago
merci ;)
Wildlatinae 1 year ago
Quel air merveilleux!
thefab64 1 year ago
les yeux qu elle a!
nihilus12 1 year ago
Of course she does this flawlessly, it is within the reaches of her musical temperament and her vocal capacity. When she steps into Pirata, etc. it just does not work for her; she does not understand the intricacies of that romantic style of singing. But here she takes your breath away. Who cares about what she's wearing?
sillyboydeux 1 year ago 3
I guess she is wearing Issey Miyake and I loved it ! It is not about what she is wearing but how she is singing and how she is the best Desdemona ! By the way she is looks gorgeous!!
Genauxbr 1 year ago 3
I am confused by the comments about clothing when she is singing to the Heavens. I chose to allow my spirit to be filled by her beauty and grace.
wingochristine 1 year ago 2
It's not peculiar to comment on how a performer chooses to present herself to the public. And elizabeth, you are right, she has had some really beautiful costumes, but I find that the UGLINESS of some of the things she has worn onstage to be distracting from her performance, and that's not what any artist wants. I love this aria and think she sings it very well, so it's unfortunate that her attire detracts from that. Just sayin.
sidhe9 2 years ago
This is the best interpretation of the song! She really made me cry! I love her voice! Not even Callas can do this...
stelydaraban 2 years ago 3
@stelydaraban : I agree. I prefer her singing than Callas for a few reasons.
udon890 1 year ago
@montsyblackmadonna mhmm, there is a dvd met recording of her as Desdemona, it's fantastic, i think she sings the ave maria so beautifully.
saxamaphoneguy1 2 years ago 2
listen to version of maria callas!
timchboy 2 years ago
1001 *
Franziskanus1 2 years ago
That's what I thought, what IS that she's wearing? SHe's got a gorgeous neck....
jeanhenley 2 years ago
More importantly, what is she wearing...? Renee, your stylist is blowing it. I can't listen to your luscious voice because I'm so distracted by the burka/apres ski gear you seem to be wearing.
sidhe9 2 years ago
@sidhe9 This was taken some years ago but lately Fleming has been haute coutured by the likes of Lagerfeld. There was a turning point. Her multi-layered clothes no longer cloaked her and noticeably she slimmed down, chubiness disappeared. etc. She is beautiful and sings wonderfully. I just don t like her Diva-flushiness.
elizabethvonslussen 2 years ago
that is a peculiar response to a fine performance, if you don't mind me saying
firestartertwistedfi 2 years ago 2
beautiful
cantanteporsiempre 2 years ago
My god she's beautiful
lifesavers234 2 years ago 6
SO beautiful...
dodi132 2 years ago
this piece breaks my heart,again and again.
simply divine,especially with flemings voice.
blackappleseed 2 years ago 3
the most beautiful voice i have ever heard !!!!! .
GodlyPrince 2 years ago 2
must disagree Fleming was fabulous and obviously the crowd agreed.
crackerjack9207 2 years ago 9
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poor-tasted acting... the maestro must have been holding himself so much not to burst into laughter...
gustavojoris 2 years ago
Kiri Te Kanawa's version is the most beautiful in the whole world!!!
shirpet 2 years ago
I must agree that Kiri Te Kanawa version is better than Renee Fleming.
Royalorgans 2 years ago
sehr aufgesetzter und künstlicher ausdruck!
blauauge2 2 years ago
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Some of the most hideous singing around, Verdi would certainly rot in his grave, period.
mannail888 2 years ago
ssssshhhhhhhhhhhhh, open yr ears
felixx1 2 years ago 4
nooooooooooooooooo, open yr horizon.
mannail888 2 years ago
No! You are Wrong!!!
jhagenson 2 years ago
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No! tutto sbagliato!
ferrykalos 2 years ago
What a performance. I could see Verdi giving Renee a standing ovation. She brings out the spirit of this masterpiece. I so much enjoyed it. Capo Lavoro, Renee.
sambucazabic 2 years ago 6
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insopportabile gigiona !!!!!!!
giorgioot 2 years ago
Absolutely gorgeous. Renee always gives such wonderful heartfelt interpretations. An amazing artiste!
praize100 2 years ago 3
So beautiful
SopranoKarin 2 years ago 2
Err, I wish I knew how she created such beautiful sounds so effortlessly! >='(
Renee is gorgeous in every way.
ElliePearl 2 years ago
Вы бы,уважаемый, научились сначала слово Санкт-Петербург писать без ошибок! А Петербург преклоняется сейчас перед Анной Нетребко!
spqrmor 2 years ago
Just amazing ! Perfect in all senses! She always touches my hearth and soul when I watch this video. BRAVO!
Genauxbr 2 years ago
nice voice..why dont you just lissen to her? You have big mouth..but can you sing like her?
tobobba 2 years ago
AVAIT-ELLE UN RHUME?
Javyctenor 2 years ago
Love your effort Renee, but don't overdue it with the acting, opera should be about the music and the singing far over acting. Your voice is gorgeous; be sincere with the music, and the acting should be there.
saxamaphoneguy1 2 years ago
totally with you on this one!
smilingsuzy 2 years ago
Clearly you are more of an observer than a performer. Acting, or any other theatrical embellishment, puts the musician in an altered state of consciousness where there is really a minimal focus on trying to act and an unnatural degree of focus on channeling the music. It allows you to become a more perfect conduit for the music to be channeled through. This is especially true for singers since the instrument in question is all you.
thejeffre 2 years ago 2
Actually, I'm just as much of a performer as an observer, I have much stage experience. I completely get what you're saying though. It's true that performing brings you to a totally different level. I have seen Renee at other times where she is more about the music than the acting, which is what I tend to prefer of her.
saxamaphoneguy1 2 years ago
opera is not only about music. Yes, it is true that the musical element is the most dominant one but acting is very important not only the movements and mimics but also the musical decisions should be according to acting. All the big divas (callas, gencer, price...etc) had an incredible talent of acting as well as trespassing the emotions trough music.. And plus you know when you sing you do not think about your movements they come automatically. You lost yourself in music and it leads you.
caritas83 2 years ago
You have a very good point! I've actually really started listening to Renee a lot more in the past month when I first commented. I have really grown to love her, especially compared to before when I have years of not being her biggest fan. I think the acting would be fine on stage, but this is simply a concert, where like I said, the focus would be simply on the music (perhaps with a little acting to emphasize). In a full opera setting, this would be a fantastic rendition!
saxamaphoneguy1 2 years ago
plus we should remember that she was sining in a big concert hall. When you are performing in a bigger theatre your acting has to be "bigger" so the audience can see you better. Opera acting is not for close shots!
caritas83 2 years ago
have been listening to all the soprano s on you tube singing the ave maria and am diturbed at these great singers who take a prayer and make it into the "imolation scene" Scotto after seemingly going through rehab ends up practically under the bed Price is totally unidiomatic and Fleming gulps and frets from the start. Tekanawa,sings it more simply and is better by far.Tebaldi, can only be experienced .She is the only one that achieves Verdi s wishes ,that dedemona represents all human goodness
luigicorvi24 2 years ago 2
She's beautiful, and a generous singer. Bravo!
isabelbleuet 2 years ago
celine dion?????
with all due respect....
joaotinen 2 years ago 5
hahah agreed shes terrible... and i live in quebec!!!!
crackfiendables 2 years ago
I think although this is a good performance it doesnt compare to the old school singer performances such as those of Mme Caballé and Mme Freni etc.
dolicimani 2 years ago
Have to agree, excellant vocals, however I do like Celine Dion emotions are better.Depends on ths song they are singing. Otherwise, love them both!!!
SuperKiki46 2 years ago
please, let us never compare Renee Flemming to Celine Dion
greenvballndc 2 years ago 59
please don't! there is no comparison at all.
wedidntknow 2 years ago 23
I do hope that your comment comparing Fleming to Celine was a trick of my eye's, otherwise I would have to say you need to be slapped.
tenor220 2 years ago 23
Hui, dass ist super!!!! Gänsehaut pur.
vocede 2 years ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
As always, the rendition is sublime, cleary rendering the text in a true mélange of meaning with the music. This IS verisimo. smilingsuzy: If you think its overdone, you are missing the point as the colour of the music demands this style, with grace off course, which in this case there is no question it has been achieved.
mxmaxamxm 2 years ago
Comment removed
smilingsuzy 2 years ago
Trop "maniéré". Pourquoi une si grande star a toujours besoin d'en rajouter autant. Sans les sanglots les sons poitrinés et les respirations bruyantes...ca serait parfait.
Lademoiselledepique 2 years ago
Comment removed
smilingsuzy 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
If this piece were performed without any of those things it would become vapid at best. This is one of Ms. Fleming's best pieces. I'm not going to peg you for someone who doesn't know what this song is about, so I'm confused as to why you wouldn't appreciate the emotion she conveys.
LtothatBoogie 2 years ago
Comment removed
smilingsuzy 2 years ago
Perhaps I should have been clearer. I found her emotional delivery a bit overdone, but that's not to say I don't find her singing lovely and, at some points, moving. I'd hardly call the piece "vapid," however, if it lacked some of these mannerisms.
smilingsuzy 2 years ago
I am impressed... one of her best performances.
beautiful..
madziua90 2 years ago 4
I listen to this every day!!! regardless of what anyone may think about her. this is the most touching version of this aria ever!
wedidntknow 2 years ago 4
Ok is it me or does it sound/look like shes going to cry
bigphot 2 years ago
Ok...I love Renee Fleming, but what the heck is going on with her outfit? Seriously?
Mandabee79 2 years ago
I really liked that guy who coughed right at the end before the applause.
plumpkett 2 years ago
haha....yea, sounds like he was holding that for a while.
gpitts08 2 years ago
Yeah, I mean he could have at least given the artist the courtesy of not hacking up a big loogie while she was embracing the beauty of the silence between her voice and the orchestra. Instead, Mr. "I Need a Lozenger" was like "hey let me fuck up this piece by coughing DIRECTLY into the mic without covering my mouth or anything; that sounds like a great idea!" Fuck you, Sir Spitsalot; I hate you.
plumpkett 2 years ago
I met ms. fleming when she did a concert in hawaii. she was absolutely lovely!
ereccay2k22 2 years ago
Happy Birthday Renee Fleming (2/14)!!!
buddy34 2 years ago 2
This is indeed so beautiful, and thank you!!!
It's also amazing to remember that on February 5, 1887, Verdi's opera "Otello" premiered at La Scala in Milan, Italy.
Grazie AND Merci!!!
buddy34 3 years ago
Is anyone so old as to REMEMBER when "Otello" premiered? hahaha...
stiemogo 2 years ago 3
She captivates me... its beautiful. So beautiful...
WiseMonki 3 years ago
Absolutely devine!
durangokid55 3 years ago
This Ave Maria is sung by Desdemona before she is killed by Othello, am I correct? Renee Fleming is divine!!!!
baabroma 3 years ago
Okay, how can someone listen to this gorgeous voice and even start to compare it to those of wannabes like sarah brightman....is there a problem here or is it just me?
happyactor6 3 years ago 5
When she sings, it looks so simple so easy! Love her!
jonytrapalhony 3 years ago 2
I think this is one of the best versions of this in my opinion, i cant stop listening to her.
mbsbrfalw15 3 years ago
Hearing Renee Fleming sing the Ave Maria almost makes me believe it's all true. Her voice is a very dangerous seductive beauty with alluring powers.
Brahmsfourth 3 years ago 2
très émouvant! bravo a cette grande dame
nihilus12 3 years ago 3
Absolutely tremendous. Thank you.
Jitpring 3 years ago 4
I am in love with Ms. Fleming. She is so incredibly awesome and versatile. Lovely!
Wrightthang 3 years ago 5
fleming is one of the greatest
dunc050486 3 years ago 2
Great artist!
operafan85 3 years ago
Good but she is no Freni or Te Kanawa
RRydnew 3 years ago
it brings tirs to mu eyes.
rennne is geting so deep to that roll.
she sing it and act it so wonderfully!!!
so mush emotion. love her.
sopran21 3 years ago
I loved that looong moment of silence after the piece was finished. And of course Renèe but that goes without saying.
54spiritedwill54 3 years ago
"...but the aria is AMAZING...she has pain,desperation and fear in her voice. " (2)
She is amazing ! Love her.
Genauxbr 3 years ago
its great, but the liberty the opening 'ave maria' not too sure about; think more simplicity in delivery more effective, and has more integrity.
but the aria is AMAZING...she has pain,desperation and fear in her voice.
SMMHELDENTENOR 3 years ago
Il tempo di riprendersi,lo spazio per non infrangere l'incanto...e anche il pubblico in sala,attonito,applaude.Impossibile non commuoversi per questo canto dell'anima,una vera preghiera! Sublime quel soffio luminoso,trascendente del LA finale,in contrasto col realistico,profondo AMEN conclusivo. un lampo e un tuono...la speranza e l' accettazione,tutta femminile,del dolore.Grazie,Renée.
rbpenelope2008 3 years ago 12
Sono d'accordo con questa... Renee e una diva umile ed e la migliore in questo ruolo. Lei e una perla, con una voce benedetta da Dio! In questo ruolo si e paragonabile alle grandi Tebaldi e Te Kanawa, che e raro per i cantanti di oggi!
crankygiraffe 3 years ago
thank you so very much, she is truly the most expressive and the most sublime of all. Brava
sublimissima
lady00010 3 years ago 2
whenever I hear Renee sing this I really just cry my eyes out!! She's such an amazing interpreter of the music and every fiber of her being is expressing the emotion of this amazing aria. She's amazing.. I love her! And you can tell she herself is close to crying!! There are tears in those beautiful blue eyes!
trekkie2006 3 years ago
It's impossible not to cry when you hear her singing this, she feels every note she produces...she is perfect in this role along with most of the roles she sings. I can realy look at her and see Desdemona and not renee...
victoriamadeus 3 years ago 3
The voice is beautiful. However, she just has too many bad habbits in singing nowadays.
g420730a 3 years ago
I like that she brings new interpretation to old music - it keeps the listeners on their toes.
Belcore14 3 years ago 2
I'm 40 now and have been involved with opera as a professional and a fan for 23 years. I've moved past the picking it apart stage. I just loved this, period. Exquisitely sung, naturally acted.
crimebloggers 3 years ago 10
You are so right. We are so lucky in recordings and live performance to have access to all these glorious artists. They are of course all fallible humans as we are.
Just enjoy is the code. As part of the human race, this old boy is knocked out by this stunning woman making these amazing sounds.
hedgechair 3 years ago 4
i agree! with what ever flaws people may think she has you can't listen to this and tell me it wasnt absolutely beautiful! its live music never perfect but always perfect... i think this was perfect
wedidntknow 3 years ago
Couldn't agree with you more..this is beautiful...however, I also had the great pleasure of hearing Kiri sing this in her unplanned debut at the MET back in 1974...I was 17, and my life hasn't been the same since...a truly a life altering event.
nessie96 3 years ago 2
Isaw Kiri perform this at Covent Garden and Fleming is better.
lady00010 3 years ago
Fine, what's your point...I was just making a comment about something I experienced.
nessie96 3 years ago
Kiri was wonderful, but this is out of this world.
lady00010 3 years ago 2
I couldn't agree with you more. Magnificent.
lady00010 3 years ago 2
Sometimes a mic can actually hinder a singer and that's what it's doing here. She's not singing loudly enough and as a result, she's whispering and crooning and that's not opera. Her interpretation is too intimate for the style of opera. With a more grand style of singing, one cannot let all those nasty habits sneak in. However, I do have to say, you forget all of that when she emits that Bb at the end. Even with all her mannerisms, Renée sings this the best.
castodivo 3 years ago
süpersin tebrikler
tiyatronal 3 years ago
this woman is just so centered when she sings and absolutley coming from the word! Fantastic!!
fludu1 3 years ago 2
I almost cried!
I LOVE the emotion she put in it!
xDARKESTxSOULx 4 years ago 3
Renee is amazing here!
CHerbek 4 years ago 3
3/4 fantastic / 1/4 quite bad. Strange ! The bad things are the begining ( ! ) and sometimes a few words in a strange italian and a controversial style. But also amazing inspirations and deep interpretation...So ? Probably fantastic on stage but There are better rercordings.
frenchyfrench 4 years ago
No singer has perfect foreign diction, and you will rarely ever see a non-English speaker sing any of the English rep., so just appreciate her effort :)
canario160 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
No no no! It isn's so good. The first part is too much, this is an opera, not a popsong or a musical. The orcherstra is very professional, but Reneé isn't good enough.
Anacondina 4 years ago
Fab interpretation, love her but sometimes, the artsey, fartsey stuff gets in the way. Just sing.
necessarydiva 4 years ago