i still think she sounds drunk and indulgent. it's just that she sounds like this no matter what she does. i don't know if one can call it musical interpretation, because it sounds to me more like her "signature" interpretations of everythingggggggggggg she sings, so how can it be an interpretation of this piece anymore? it's just her saying "look how -i- like to sing things" instead of "please let me inspire you with this poetry"
i just think she sounds drunk and indulgent. which is difficult to argue with, because she's definitely transcended the position of a singer of a song someone else has written and turned into the singer creating the song via the position of the composer. however, i still think she sounds drunk, and personally i wouldn't have made such loose and "indulgent" seeming artistic choices -- what i mean to say is that in my opinion she diverted TOO much from what Debussy wrote. she does it all the time2
@mannail888 The problem is, is that you are saying things that are incorrect. I understand opinions, you do not like her for this and that but the reasons which you have put forth aren't totally correct which is why I proposed a rebuttal. I can use large words too; also don't be supercilious and I won't either. The reason I am incensed is because you attacked her understanding of the piece. Listen to the piece again and think about the different interpretations rather than yours alone.
French is a naturally legato language. But this does not stop good singers, particularly French ones, from expressing nuances of the text. Do listen to Eileen Farrell, who, after all, is American.
@Whatsmynameagain03 No, I ain't deaf. It just so happened that a sizable bunch of people, including "Whatsmynameagain03", choose to steep themselves in self-abasement and hideousness, period.
@mannail888 I'm pretty sure you are, though. And it's pretty obvious that you don't understand the lyricism required to sing French classical music. Sad, but oh well. Some people choose to be critical of what they don't understand. You can go ahead and belong to that group. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I guess, no matter how dumb it may be.
@Whatsmynameagain03 That You, 'Whatsmynameagain03" and a slew of others, continue to defense on Fleming's behalf can point to one thing and one thing only: that all of you are much like your idol, do not have a clue to how French chansons should be interpreted and sung, in this case, Debussy. Keep swearing me, keep attacking me, but that doesn't change the fact that Fleming did a extremely lousy job in her so called rendition of this soul searching chanson.
@mannail888 Listen to any other recording of this found ANYWHERE online, or on iTunes. This is the most musical, lyrical version you'll find. I guarantee it. I'm not attacking you, friend. You don't need any help in making yourself look like an arrogant imbecile.
@Whatsmynameagain03 On one hand: I was called a friend, on the other: I was branded an imbecile all by the same person. And that's a very fine and accurate indicator of who that person is and pretty sums up how much aesthetics, the principles dealing with everything of arts in relation to humanity, that person possess.
@mannail888 Sounds like someone has never heard of sarcasm before! When I said "friend," I meant "idiot." I was simply making a euphemism out of the word. Imbecile is also a euphemism. As someone who studies music, and has studied music all their life, I take it upon myself to call out assholes for being assholes, especially when they make it all too obvious that they are uneducated and uninformed with regards to the arts.
@Whatsmynameagain03 Partisan to the point of blindness, Flemingphiles overlook the essential problem with her pathetically all purpose approach to everything she does, be it on the gramophone, the recital platform or the lyric stage, which is that one-fifths of the emotions she seeks to express are dishonest, feigned effusions masked in academically correct technique. Stylistically, she's all over the place. The piece deals with the philosophy of life, of a world filled with doom and gloom.
But Fleming sounds as if she's more concerned with the freshness of her morning grapefruit, and how she's not being treated like a Callas by the powers-that-be of the institution she happens to be performing at the moment. All through the chanson, there's no remorse at past wrongdoings, no regrets at lost opportunities and no bitterness at relationships gone sour. More of a human soul, with heart to spare, would and should imbue this piece with all those attributes and more.
@mannail888 Dude... I know what the piece is about, and I think she conveyed it beautifully here. Apparently, so do a LOT of other people. Who are you to say they are wrong for feeling what was apparently trying to be conveyed? I just don't understand.
@mannail888 It's not incoherent, you're just an idiot. The MEANING of the piece was PERFECTLY conveyed by this rendition to both myself and a LARGE GROUP of others. WHO ARE YOU to call me and other people wrong for that? I'm sorry that was so hard for you to understand.
@Whatsmynameagain03 Once again, you unloaded things that are completely incomprehensible to anyone other than yourself. And that's pretty much explains you grasp,or more accurately, lack of the principles of aesthetics, and that's why Fleming is good for you and you, "Whatsmynameagain03", are good for Fleming.
@mannail888 You are an idiot. Your inability to comprehend even the most simple statements is astonishing. I truly feel sorry for you. In any case, you are no longer worth my time. It's clear that you have no musical taste and are one-hundred percent the "my way or the highway" type that plagues our planet en masse. So go ahead and continue being that person. You sad, sad little person.
All right you butt fart. Let's look at this piece. It's impressionistic. I know what the lyrics are but knowing that it's impressionistic means she can make it pretty and slide and she does that and she does it damn well. The song is about nature and living out her/his(whoever is singing) life for fucks sake. You can't even see the expression on her face so you can't interpret it fully but by sound and inflection alone, she rocks it. Fleming-fans are not mindless gits.
@TheFriendlyBeluga "Whatsmynameasgain03" and "TheFriendlyBeluga" are one for all, all for one. No need to spend time rebutting such silly and uncivilized blabbings. I have already concluded my last word on Fleming in chansons and I didn't feel the need to add any further comment to augment my appraisal on her.
I suspect that this is one of those occasions where an exceptional singer doesn't quite make it, because of not being a native speaker. Technically and vocally great but ... somehow the interpretation doesn't convince me. Listen to how she glides evenly through the climactic phrase, 'Et que le soir est beau'; couldn't there be the slightest hesitation before 'beau' to give it emphasis? For French Mélodie, I usually end up preferring French singers.
@BrianDonaldMcKay Footnote: Eileen Farrell, another American soprano, gives a remarkably sensitive and satisfying interpretation, impressively harnessing a imposing voice in the process.
@BrianDonaldMcKay French, spoken and sung, is done so on a line - it's all straight forward and through. In a lot of cases, while singing, someone will slide from one note to the next because not doing so makes phrases sound "notey" and destroys the inherent musical beauty in the text. So I'm not quite sure what your point is.
She sings some sections well, but I was not impressed by others, especially the beginning. Which is a shame because she could sing the whole thing much better.
Simply beautiful. Either version is good whether without or with vocals. No matter what, this piece will always be enthralling even if horribly composed.
Quel beau timbre chaud... dommage que le texte de Paul Bourget ne soit pas plus compréhensible; il y a dans la poésie française une musicalité propre que Debussy, Duparc ou d'autres encore ont sublimé avec leur langage musical, rendant complémentaires ces deux expressions artistiques.
@classicalfan7 Streisand murdered this song. I don't understand why a pop singer thinks that just because they made a lot of hit albums in the pop genre, that they should be talented enough composers as well to re-interpret a classic piece from a genius composer from a completely different genre. She should stick to pop and not bother the higher art genres.
Actually, I did take a listen. She is quite amazing. There's just something very "accessible" and simple about Streisand's version, but Renne has a great voice. I have one of her CDs.
I am a voice primary getting a degree for music and I am lucky enough to be singing this song. The 2 against 3 is DEFINITELY the reason it sounds so out of time. That's is part of the difficulty in this piece. Using rubato and being able to stay together with the piano. This is a BEAUTIFUL rendition of this song. And to you men out there singing this, I would be very interested to hear it!
@MistaMo87 same here... i found its all about the counting and trying to ignore the piano best as possible. as stupid as that sounds the 2 over 3 rhythm has been my biggest issue...
@MistaMo87 I just got assigned this as well. Being a baritone, I don't get why. Debussy wrote almost exclusively for females, namely sopranos. Oh well, we just have to try our best...
Wonderful poem by the great french writer and novelist Paul Bourget, Henry James' and Edith Wharton's friend, alas forgotten in France today (he was not politically correct...).
Guys, just enjoy her artistic rendition of the piece instead of overcorrecting and complaining if it's not exactly how you want it. She's Renee Fleming and probably has made more money achieved more success in singing than many of us posting on here will ever achieve. If she wants to overdarken and control this specific piece at this time, I think she has the right to do so.
@doraycidkyrene You,"doraycidkyrene", for the love of your family, need to check into a psychiatric infirmary, it would do yourself and the society a lot of good.
@doraycidkyrene I am hardly one to do this but just because someone is successful does not mean they can do whatever they want. The singer should be a medium through which a song is realized, too much personal flair can do a disserves to a piece
If the woman would not over complicate each note, then she would be able to sing a legato phrase. Her French is not good. She does not sing in the resonance, and manipulates every sound. It sounds muddy and over darkened. This is not French mélodie. Please listen to Irma Kolassi or Crespin.
i think its just that the piano is playing triplets and the voice is not...so it sounds out of tempo....i think so just cus im starting this piece w/ my voice teacher, so thats just what it seems like to me..but i could be utterly wrong!!! :D
@overitopera debussy is impressionistic, there should be some push and pull to the tempo... counting it as a straight 3 pattern would be completely wrong...
i just heard barbra striesand sing this song and was very impressed considering she does not have a classically trained voice, ofcourse rene is better, but barbras was very sweet.
Its not VG honey, it is Monet and its simply another church in the background on the river (probably Notre Dame) or something on the Loire. But I know its not Van Gough..VG never painted that impressionistically.
This is nothing special. Rene sings with her usual mannerisms, unstylistic scooping and terrible French diction. There are far better perfromances out there, like Dame Maggie Teyte -- a true artist.
Rene Fleming has established herself as one of the most respected vocalists of our time. In my opinion, she has developed an artistic identity that is both unique and beautiful. If you personally dislike her as an musician, that's fine, but if you are trying to argue that she is not a "true" artist, please realize that you are arguing against the views of almost anybody that actually knows something about classical singing.
@Sush108 I read your comment thinking that you'd posted some good advice, however, you are wrong. Dame Maggie Teyte, while having excellent French diction and tact, lacks the single most important skill required to sing French Impressionism. MUSICALITY. Her singing seriously lacks in dynamic expression and emotion while Flemming fills every song she sings to the brim with it. Sorry, but it's the truth.
@hsif1029384756 You, "hsif029384756", should follow the one above tuber's suit by checking into a psychiatric infirmary just so you get a better sense of yourself and the society at large.
What key is this version in? So pleasant for my voice. I would pick it out on piano but it is behind a mountain of boxes as we are in the process of moving house. Anybody know?
Listening to La Fleming's voice is like eating full fat chocolate ice cream, topped with cherries, strawberry sauce, smarties and crushed oreos. Thick, creamy and toooooo delicious!!!!
I understand the translation but I was asking about the phrase "Elle a la mer"
In English a literal translation would be "she (of the/to the/with the) sea. In English we would say "It" goes to the sea (would not give a gender to the word sea)
I know French nouns are gender specific but I was wondering why "La Mer" is a feminine noun. Perhaps there is no reason.
Difficult for me to listen - just ... difficult.
Renee... IS her song. Her singing.
She IS... her song.
Profoundly.
I love her, AND.. this song.
fgbowen 1 week ago
i still think she sounds drunk and indulgent. it's just that she sounds like this no matter what she does. i don't know if one can call it musical interpretation, because it sounds to me more like her "signature" interpretations of everythingggggggggggg she sings, so how can it be an interpretation of this piece anymore? it's just her saying "look how -i- like to sing things" instead of "please let me inspire you with this poetry"
brittysoko 1 week ago
i just think she sounds drunk and indulgent. which is difficult to argue with, because she's definitely transcended the position of a singer of a song someone else has written and turned into the singer creating the song via the position of the composer. however, i still think she sounds drunk, and personally i wouldn't have made such loose and "indulgent" seeming artistic choices -- what i mean to say is that in my opinion she diverted TOO much from what Debussy wrote. she does it all the time2
brittysoko 1 week ago
Brava Renee!!!!!
HU1914 3 weeks ago
Beautiful!
mancmuso1 3 weeks ago
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please check out my cover of this song- i am an apsiring singer who would love to get more views on youtube! <3
hannah linowski singing beau soir
hannahlinowski 1 month ago
@mannail888 The problem is, is that you are saying things that are incorrect. I understand opinions, you do not like her for this and that but the reasons which you have put forth aren't totally correct which is why I proposed a rebuttal. I can use large words too; also don't be supercilious and I won't either. The reason I am incensed is because you attacked her understanding of the piece. Listen to the piece again and think about the different interpretations rather than yours alone.
TheFriendlyBeluga 2 months ago
French is a naturally legato language. But this does not stop good singers, particularly French ones, from expressing nuances of the text. Do listen to Eileen Farrell, who, after all, is American.
BrianDonaldMcKay 3 months ago
Comment removed
mannail888 4 months ago
how is it possible for a human being to make sounds like these? i feel like i've gone to heaven listening to her :)
ewhite3746 4 months ago
Debussy, in the great beyond, must have contemplated what is it that he had done to receive such a horrendous smearing of his work.
mannail888 5 months ago
@mannail888 We must have listened to different recordings. Either that, or you're deaf.
Whatsmynameagain03 4 months ago
@Whatsmynameagain03 No, I ain't deaf. It just so happened that a sizable bunch of people, including "Whatsmynameagain03", choose to steep themselves in self-abasement and hideousness, period.
mannail888 4 months ago
@mannail888 I'm pretty sure you are, though. And it's pretty obvious that you don't understand the lyricism required to sing French classical music. Sad, but oh well. Some people choose to be critical of what they don't understand. You can go ahead and belong to that group. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I guess, no matter how dumb it may be.
Whatsmynameagain03 4 months ago
@Whatsmynameagain03 That You, 'Whatsmynameagain03" and a slew of others, continue to defense on Fleming's behalf can point to one thing and one thing only: that all of you are much like your idol, do not have a clue to how French chansons should be interpreted and sung, in this case, Debussy. Keep swearing me, keep attacking me, but that doesn't change the fact that Fleming did a extremely lousy job in her so called rendition of this soul searching chanson.
mannail888 4 months ago
@mannail888 Listen to any other recording of this found ANYWHERE online, or on iTunes. This is the most musical, lyrical version you'll find. I guarantee it. I'm not attacking you, friend. You don't need any help in making yourself look like an arrogant imbecile.
Whatsmynameagain03 4 months ago
@Whatsmynameagain03 On one hand: I was called a friend, on the other: I was branded an imbecile all by the same person. And that's a very fine and accurate indicator of who that person is and pretty sums up how much aesthetics, the principles dealing with everything of arts in relation to humanity, that person possess.
mannail888 4 months ago
@mannail888 Sounds like someone has never heard of sarcasm before! When I said "friend," I meant "idiot." I was simply making a euphemism out of the word. Imbecile is also a euphemism. As someone who studies music, and has studied music all their life, I take it upon myself to call out assholes for being assholes, especially when they make it all too obvious that they are uneducated and uninformed with regards to the arts.
Whatsmynameagain03 4 months ago
@Whatsmynameagain03 Partisan to the point of blindness, Flemingphiles overlook the essential problem with her pathetically all purpose approach to everything she does, be it on the gramophone, the recital platform or the lyric stage, which is that one-fifths of the emotions she seeks to express are dishonest, feigned effusions masked in academically correct technique. Stylistically, she's all over the place. The piece deals with the philosophy of life, of a world filled with doom and gloom.
mannail888 4 months ago
But Fleming sounds as if she's more concerned with the freshness of her morning grapefruit, and how she's not being treated like a Callas by the powers-that-be of the institution she happens to be performing at the moment. All through the chanson, there's no remorse at past wrongdoings, no regrets at lost opportunities and no bitterness at relationships gone sour. More of a human soul, with heart to spare, would and should imbue this piece with all those attributes and more.
mannail888 4 months ago
@mannail888 Dude... I know what the piece is about, and I think she conveyed it beautifully here. Apparently, so do a LOT of other people. Who are you to say they are wrong for feeling what was apparently trying to be conveyed? I just don't understand.
Whatsmynameagain03 3 months ago
@Whatsmynameagain03 What you have written is completely unfathomable, not to mention downright incoherent. Please think harder and rephrase.
mannail888 3 months ago
@mannail888 It's not incoherent, you're just an idiot. The MEANING of the piece was PERFECTLY conveyed by this rendition to both myself and a LARGE GROUP of others. WHO ARE YOU to call me and other people wrong for that? I'm sorry that was so hard for you to understand.
Whatsmynameagain03 3 months ago
Comment removed
mannail888 3 months ago
@Whatsmynameagain03 Once again, you unloaded things that are completely incomprehensible to anyone other than yourself. And that's pretty much explains you grasp,or more accurately, lack of the principles of aesthetics, and that's why Fleming is good for you and you, "Whatsmynameagain03", are good for Fleming.
mannail888 3 months ago
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@mannail888 You are an idiot. Your inability to comprehend even the most simple statements is astonishing. I truly feel sorry for you. In any case, you are no longer worth my time. It's clear that you have no musical taste and are one-hundred percent the "my way or the highway" type that plagues our planet en masse. So go ahead and continue being that person. You sad, sad little person.
Whatsmynameagain03 3 months ago
@mannail888
All right you butt fart. Let's look at this piece. It's impressionistic. I know what the lyrics are but knowing that it's impressionistic means she can make it pretty and slide and she does that and she does it damn well. The song is about nature and living out her/his(whoever is singing) life for fucks sake. You can't even see the expression on her face so you can't interpret it fully but by sound and inflection alone, she rocks it. Fleming-fans are not mindless gits.
TheFriendlyBeluga 2 months ago
@TheFriendlyBeluga "Whatsmynameasgain03" and "TheFriendlyBeluga" are one for all, all for one. No need to spend time rebutting such silly and uncivilized blabbings. I have already concluded my last word on Fleming in chansons and I didn't feel the need to add any further comment to augment my appraisal on her.
mannail888 2 months ago
Překrásné- díky za tento zážitek- miluji Debussyho. Zpěvačka rovněž uchacující.
zdevol7 6 months ago
Thank you!
madamebellavoccelini 6 months ago
I suspect that this is one of those occasions where an exceptional singer doesn't quite make it, because of not being a native speaker. Technically and vocally great but ... somehow the interpretation doesn't convince me. Listen to how she glides evenly through the climactic phrase, 'Et que le soir est beau'; couldn't there be the slightest hesitation before 'beau' to give it emphasis? For French Mélodie, I usually end up preferring French singers.
BrianDonaldMcKay 7 months ago
@BrianDonaldMcKay Footnote: Eileen Farrell, another American soprano, gives a remarkably sensitive and satisfying interpretation, impressively harnessing a imposing voice in the process.
BrianDonaldMcKay 7 months ago
@BrianDonaldMcKay French, spoken and sung, is done so on a line - it's all straight forward and through. In a lot of cases, while singing, someone will slide from one note to the next because not doing so makes phrases sound "notey" and destroys the inherent musical beauty in the text. So I'm not quite sure what your point is.
Whatsmynameagain03 4 months ago
She sings some sections well, but I was not impressed by others, especially the beginning. Which is a shame because she could sing the whole thing much better.
chocoholicchic92 10 months ago 2
Seriously do any of you really know what you are talking about? Or are you just jealous of her talent?
operageek1011 1 year ago 5
This comment has received too many negative votes show
HORRIBLE,TERRIBLE, NO STYLE- I feel like vomitting!!
mojopum 1 year ago
Comment removed
NiaAmorr 6 months ago
LE TEXTE :
. . . et monter vers LE COEUR troublé !
jean1938 1 year ago
best i've heard on youtube
TheMixedcutie3 1 year ago
Simply beautiful. Either version is good whether without or with vocals. No matter what, this piece will always be enthralling even if horribly composed.
disturbanite8 1 year ago
Beautiful. nothing else can be said. Simply Beautiful.
seriousconversation 1 year ago
so.jealous. i am singingg this songg with my vocal coach and if i ever soundd half as good as herr i mightt just diee!
josiewosie22 1 year ago
I agree with doraycidkyrene, this piece as beautifuly written as it is, really is open for a twist of the musicians own
rachelXcore71 1 year ago
debussy didn't think of himself to be an impressionist, but an expressionist! funny isn't it?
gadella1985 1 year ago
Quel beau timbre chaud... dommage que le texte de Paul Bourget ne soit pas plus compréhensible; il y a dans la poésie française une musicalité propre que Debussy, Duparc ou d'autres encore ont sublimé avec leur langage musical, rendant complémentaires ces deux expressions artistiques.
Musicomanie 1 year ago
Who is the pianist? For an exam, I choose to analyze this piece and I need to know the name of the pianist...
overdosingirl 1 year ago
Debussy actually would have been offended if he heard that comment. He did not appreciate being boxed into that category.
--a Debussy defender
lalajane1 1 year ago
Fleming est une de mes soprano préférée.
Elle s'en sort mieux dans les airs d'opéra, ici elle n'a pas assez travaillé la diction.
Son timbre reste magnifique.
TheLyrico 1 year ago
WE CAN'T HELP YOU. "billyboylb Still prefer Streisand. These "trained" singers all sound alike to me." 3 weeks ago
classicalfan7 1 year ago
@classicalfan7 Streisand murdered this song. I don't understand why a pop singer thinks that just because they made a lot of hit albums in the pop genre, that they should be talented enough composers as well to re-interpret a classic piece from a genius composer from a completely different genre. She should stick to pop and not bother the higher art genres.
TheCatholicFaithfu 1 year ago
@TheCatholicFaithfu TOTALLY WITH YOU!
classicalfan7 1 year ago
Actually, I did take a listen. She is quite amazing. There's just something very "accessible" and simple about Streisand's version, but Renne has a great voice. I have one of her CDs.
billyboylb 1 year ago
Still prefer Streisand. These "trained" singers all sound alike to me.
billyboylb 1 year ago
@billyboylb: As a classically trained musician, I appreciate your comment...but you might listen to this again...with your eyes closed.
It's pretty incredible.
hirseuph 1 year ago
@billyboylb Believe honey every classically trained singer sounds different ;)
classicalgal14 1 year ago
@classicalgal14 Really? Not to me. It's sounds like a bunch of hollering. Sorry.
billyboylb 1 year ago
@billyboylb Everyone has their tastes ;)
classicalgal14 1 year ago
I prefer Damrau...
Amphipolis 2 years ago
I'd prefer the Streisand version.
billyboylb 2 years ago
I am a voice primary getting a degree for music and I am lucky enough to be singing this song. The 2 against 3 is DEFINITELY the reason it sounds so out of time. That's is part of the difficulty in this piece. Using rubato and being able to stay together with the piano. This is a BEAUTIFUL rendition of this song. And to you men out there singing this, I would be very interested to hear it!
JaLemondrop 2 years ago 2
Im doing this song with my voice techer as well! I hope it goes smoothly...although I feel a female sings it way better than us guys lol
MistaMo87 2 years ago
@MistaMo87 same here... i found its all about the counting and trying to ignore the piano best as possible. as stupid as that sounds the 2 over 3 rhythm has been my biggest issue...
nightxtimexsun 2 years ago
@MistaMo87 I just got assigned this as well. Being a baritone, I don't get why. Debussy wrote almost exclusively for females, namely sopranos. Oh well, we just have to try our best...
Baritime 1 year ago
@Baritime Many great male singers have recorded this song. Just browse YouTube and you'll find them. You're in good company.
caraphyllis 1 year ago
(I try to translate):
When, in the sunset, rivers are pink
And a mild ripple runs on the fields,
An advice to be happy seems to come from the things,
And to rise up into the anguished hearts.
An advice to enjoy the spell to be alive,
While we are young and while the sky is beautiful,
Because we are sliping away, like this wave :
This wave is going to the sea ; we are going to the grave
fan2jnrc 2 years ago
Lorsqu'au soleil couchant les rivières sont roses,
Et qu'un tiède frisson court sur les champs de blé,
Un conseil d'être heureux semble sortir des choses,
Et monter vers les cœurs troublés.
Un conseil de goûter le charme d'être au monde,
Cependant qu'on est jeune et que le ciel est beau,
Car nous nous en allons, comme s'en va cette onde :
Elle, à la mer ; nous, au tombeau...
fan2jnrc 2 years ago 15
Comment removed
jean1938 1 year ago
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@fan2jnrc
LE TEXTE :
. . . et monter vers LE COEUR troublé !
jean1938 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@fan2jnrc
LE TEXTE :
. . . et monter vers LE COEUR troublé !
jean1938 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@fan2jnrc
LE TEXTE :
. . . et monter vers LE COEUR troublé !
jean1938 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@fan2jnrc
LE TEXTE :
. . . et monter vers LE COEUR troublé !
jean1938 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@fan2jnrc
LE TEXTE :
. . . et monter vers LE COEUR troublé !
jean1938 1 year ago
Wonderful poem by the great french writer and novelist Paul Bourget, Henry James' and Edith Wharton's friend, alas forgotten in France today (he was not politically correct...).
fan2jnrc 2 years ago
this is absolutely beautiful. It's haunting.
acavoto 2 years ago
Guys, just enjoy her artistic rendition of the piece instead of overcorrecting and complaining if it's not exactly how you want it. She's Renee Fleming and probably has made more money achieved more success in singing than many of us posting on here will ever achieve. If she wants to overdarken and control this specific piece at this time, I think she has the right to do so.
doraycidkyrene 2 years ago 43
@doraycidkyrene You,"doraycidkyrene", for the love of your family, need to check into a psychiatric infirmary, it would do yourself and the society a lot of good.
mannail888 1 year ago
@doraycidkyrene You are so right!
loboestepario2424 1 year ago
@doraycidkyrene I am hardly one to do this but just because someone is successful does not mean they can do whatever they want. The singer should be a medium through which a song is realized, too much personal flair can do a disserves to a piece
TylerPCoughlin 10 months ago
i love the STreisand version..simple and hauntingly beautiful
billyboylb 2 years ago
Who is the pianist?
jgutiermusica 2 years ago
If the woman would not over complicate each note, then she would be able to sing a legato phrase. Her French is not good. She does not sing in the resonance, and manipulates every sound. It sounds muddy and over darkened. This is not French mélodie. Please listen to Irma Kolassi or Crespin.
Schwertleiter 2 years ago
THANK YOU! If she'd only keep some type of rhythm, I think Debussy's ideals for this song would have been upheld.
overitopera 2 years ago
i think its just that the piano is playing triplets and the voice is not...so it sounds out of tempo....i think so just cus im starting this piece w/ my voice teacher, so thats just what it seems like to me..but i could be utterly wrong!!! :D
BeccaBoo2You5792 2 years ago
@overitopera debussy is impressionistic, there should be some push and pull to the tempo... counting it as a straight 3 pattern would be completely wrong...
jkovach1089 2 years ago
i just heard barbra striesand sing this song and was very impressed considering she does not have a classically trained voice, ofcourse rene is better, but barbras was very sweet.
playio 2 years ago
Great song!by the way what is the name of the painting at 2:00?
bgon94 2 years ago
Not sure about the name, but I'm pretty sure it's painted by Van Gough.
Kaitlynshh 2 years ago
Its not VG honey, it is Monet and its simply another church in the background on the river (probably Notre Dame) or something on the Loire. But I know its not Van Gough..VG never painted that impressionistically.
DonRolini 2 years ago
im singing this piece. Can someone please tell me if her pronounciation is correct??
thank you!
fromme93 2 years ago
she is covering the vowels too much in some words but her phrasing is very good and accurate.
Jamiezmac 2 years ago
wow
sexysadiesays 2 years ago
if it was less opera like it would sound like lord of the rings music!
godsloved3 2 years ago
I do not like her performance, but this is one of the loveliest pieces in the vocal repertoire.
Mooncelt 2 years ago
Lovely
runbambirun 2 years ago
This is nothing special. Rene sings with her usual mannerisms, unstylistic scooping and terrible French diction. There are far better perfromances out there, like Dame Maggie Teyte -- a true artist.
Sush108 3 years ago 3
@Sush108
Rene Fleming has established herself as one of the most respected vocalists of our time. In my opinion, she has developed an artistic identity that is both unique and beautiful. If you personally dislike her as an musician, that's fine, but if you are trying to argue that she is not a "true" artist, please realize that you are arguing against the views of almost anybody that actually knows something about classical singing.
Greenberri16 1 year ago 9
@Sush108 I agree 100 %
vivegedda 1 year ago
@Sush108 I read your comment thinking that you'd posted some good advice, however, you are wrong. Dame Maggie Teyte, while having excellent French diction and tact, lacks the single most important skill required to sing French Impressionism. MUSICALITY. Her singing seriously lacks in dynamic expression and emotion while Flemming fills every song she sings to the brim with it. Sorry, but it's the truth.
hsif1029384756 1 year ago 2
@hsif1029384756 You, "hsif029384756", should follow the one above tuber's suit by checking into a psychiatric infirmary just so you get a better sense of yourself and the society at large.
mannail888 1 year ago
A wonderful piece!! it's solely perfect!
Gulnurefe 3 years ago 2
Merci, Claude! Brava, Renee!
debaucheresque 3 years ago 2
we are singing this song im my chorus class. it is so beautiful i love it!
sweeneytoddlover33 3 years ago
What key is this version in? So pleasant for my voice. I would pick it out on piano but it is behind a mountain of boxes as we are in the process of moving house. Anybody know?
M.
Songstermom 3 years ago
E Major.
zstadt 3 years ago
Comment removed
zstadt 3 years ago
Listening to La Fleming's voice is like eating full fat chocolate ice cream, topped with cherries, strawberry sauce, smarties and crushed oreos. Thick, creamy and toooooo delicious!!!!
pastre999 3 years ago 3
nice
CWYT 3 years ago
simply beautiful
14alexrider14 3 years ago
Big sexy voice. I'd like to hear her tackle the Last Four Songs by Strauss.
cobaltjones 3 years ago
She already has! Her latest CD release was a new recording of that piece.
EML0605 3 years ago
She did.... you should check it out, it's pretty good.
tinamarielovestosing 2 years ago
Is Elle a la mer- Is the noun mer gender specfic ;female. Anyone know?
daniel01141975 3 years ago
of course not !
...An exhortation to enjoy the charm of being alive
While one is young and the evening is beautiful,
For we are going on, as this stream goes on:
The stream to the sea, we to the grave.
tetroce 3 years ago
I understand the translation but I was asking about the phrase "Elle a la mer"
In English a literal translation would be "she (of the/to the/with the) sea. In English we would say "It" goes to the sea (would not give a gender to the word sea)
I know French nouns are gender specific but I was wondering why "La Mer" is a feminine noun. Perhaps there is no reason.
daniel01141975 3 years ago
The wave is the feminine noun which is going out to sea.
cette onde = this wave
kjunk216 3 years ago
BRAVA, BRAVA!!!
1119danielle 3 years ago
I've been singing this song since high school, but a little lower. It is so beautiful, and I sang it every chance I could for performance.
Elle à la mer, nous au tombeau.
ilikebeingsmart 3 years ago
As good as it gets!!!
operacrasher 3 years ago
Amazing
Milverton68 3 years ago
Oh!! Thank you SOOO much for posting this. It will be my inspiration as I prepare this piece for my senior recital in May. Viva La Renee!
blessedbylove37 3 years ago
Lorsque au soleil couchant les rivières sont roses
Et qu'un tiède frisson court sur les champs de blé,
Un conseil d'être heureux semble sortir des choses
Et monter vers le coeur troublé.
cultusstultus 3 years ago 2
where did u find this?
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!
mdcam89 3 years ago
This is a great video! I love the pictures.
maryjivinjane 3 years ago
thank you++
napat14 4 years ago