Am I right in saying there are marked differences between Kiri te Kanawa and Fleming? Fleming has a fuller, "chestier" sound, almost mezzo-ish, and a great way of (what to call it? In strings it's portato, sliding - there is probably a term for eliding notes). Kiri has a fiery pure focused sound that just galvanizes the soul, and you recognize her sound instantly. This is not to say either one is "better" or "worse": both incredible vocal artists for their time.
A really beautiful rendition - and another ethereal version = Kiri Te Kanawa's in the early 80s, possibly at the Royal Albert Hall. Both versions take the listener to a wonderful heavenly musical place!
I had heard Flemming, Gheorghiu, Kanawa, Callas, and others and found them "better" in terms hitting high notes without struggling and hold them with such constancy than the "three tenors". I am beginning like sopranos better. Am I right in my "analysis"? Obviously, I am not a musician because I can't even describe what or why I like certain singers and their interpretations.
Really, it is not so great to compare sopranos and tenors! We love them for different reasons, surely... it is a completely different sound. So you can like both! Maybe you have a preference for a certain type of voice, but really, one cannot say - tenors are better than sopranos, or the other way around.
Some opera singers merely sing the words but there are a blessed few who really live each and every word. Renee Fleming is definitely one of those blessed few. Is she the voices in the world well...that opera buffs is open to opinion. However, when it comes to sheer artistry and dedication to the libretto, the music and the character, there are even fewer better than Ms. Fleming (in my humble opinion). Rather than petty, childish YouTube rants and hateful comments about singers, appreciate.
I was surprised by this performance. Why does she slide up to some of the notes instead of hitting them squarely? All in all a very good recording, however. I think I still prefer the Leontyne Price Blue Album (RCA LSC 2506) recording. Perhaps if I heard Fleming sing it live I'd be happier. I've heard Price do it live six or seven times and it never failed to get me.
To be wowed by this after listening to all the others testifies to the stupendous beauty of Fleming's rendition, which is partly enhanced by the fact that she swells to the c, allowing more fullness to the sound than is customary, then following with the ultra delicate pianissimo b-flat. Interesting. So glad to have access to so many brilliant renditions here on Youtube. Thanks for posting.
To be wowed by this after listening to all the others testifies to the stupdendous beauty of Fleming's rendition, which is partly enhanced by the fact that she swells to the c, allowing more fullness to the sound than is customary, then following with the ultra delicate b-flat. Interesting. So glad to have access to so many brilliant renditions here on Youtube. Thanks for posting.
I love how expressive she is! I love this aria, regardless of the singer. After hearing so many versions, this one and Kiri te Kanawa's are definitely my favorites :)
I think Renee can do very little wrong. sometimes hangs on to notes too long to show off her amazing capacity for breath control to the detriment of the aria. Always impressive though. I have three recordings. The moffo is absolutely exhilerating, damn I wish I could spell, Kiri and Placido I think is the bench mark, and angela so divine. Maybe its just the overwhelmingly beautiful music of Puccini we all love.
Beautiful recording - back when Renee was still singing very well. I enjoyed her interpretation but I feel like this piece needs a bit more of a forward direction to it. Leontyne Price has to be my absolute favorite in this piece. I just love Renee's color.
So far of the sops I've listened to on this aria, Renee rules. Haven't gotten to Leontyne yet. I've seen the score, and she takes--or perhaps the conductor allows her to take--molto liberties w/tempi, which add to the sensitivity, I think. And her piannismi!! Makes everyone else sound like a screamer.
Well...I have just listened to Te Kanawa (not being a fan of hers), from '81 with Lombard conducting, and I wouldn't call that screaming. Perhaps you have to extend your Rondine list...
I really love her version of this aria. Beautifully done. The only thing I find puzzling are those gasps (I'm not sure if they really are gasps) at the end of her phrases. I find her use of breath always so facinating to listen to and I wonder what everyone thinks. In the past when I've wondered about this I've been really lambasted for not liking her...I do, I'm just not a fan of the "gasping" (for lack of a better word) She's equal to none and her rendition of this aria is so pleasing.
Her wierd gasping at the end of phrases actually reminds me of another great singer, Barbra Streisand. Who had the uncanny ability to extend notes to an unprecedented degree...but she always took this quick little gulp of air afterwards. It's almost as if, psychologically, she was able to make her body push breath out on the condition it would get air again immediately. Try it when singing, you'll be surprised how effective it is, but it comes with that odd quirk as a price so to speak.
I would judge the gasping as Fleming's breath release, and is probably part and parcel of her technique. For better or worse, she uses it as an emotional tool in the line. I also hear a kind of grabbing at the beginning of some phrases, which makes sense: if the onset of tone is grabbed, then the release is gasped. Fortunately, what lies between onset and release is pure beauty.
Splendid voice and interpretation,the tempo is just ideal. When i listen to Renne's voice in this aria,especially on the highest notes,i just feel as if her soul opens, it's a wonderful feeling.
Very enjoyable. I dare to say this is my favourite Puccini aria, and done by one of the singers I admire the most, and to whom I have an enormous debt for the knowledge she transmited to me.
beautiful, really well done. In fact I have been comparing this aria on you tube online and also found a relatively unknown singer, Jennifer Winn, performing this aria and it's gorgeous. I am intrigued by the talent out there. The aria should be called the"Art of the High C". i like these two the best.
Fleming has got an absolutely beautiful voice...perhaps at times, she chooses to indulge in the wrong repertoire, but this is simply divine!! Prefer it far more to Te Kanawas.
Had this been a vocalise, the beautiful, creamy, soft and rich voice of Ms Fleming would have satisfied me: just some minor strain in the two difficult notes of felici-tà and d'or. Nothing of real importance.
Problem is this is opera, this should be a character: it's not just the faulty pronunciation, it's also the total lack of an interpretation.
I adore Renee Fleming! I cannot sing a note. When I was in the second grade, the music teacher ridiculed me in front of the entire class, because I could not sing The Star Spangled Banner. Maybe that is one reason why I learned to love opera. I can never understand how a person can make such a beautiful sound while singing. I could not do it, consequently I was the laughing stock of the music class. That is why I adore great singing and great arias. Love you, Renee!
I love opera and beautiful singing, but can't sing anything myself. I joined the singing club in the 5th grade and was politely asked to leave. So ashamed of myself, I couldn't even tell anyone about my humiliation. My father was a music professor, playing a number of instruments, but I could not do well (honestly, not even adquately) with any instrument. Nevertheless I love music. I thought I was the only person so awkward in but hugely fond of music.
Trust me if you can sing high notes like that like me, it is just a GOD givin talent. They make it look hard, but it is really easy for them. Renee Fleming was raised around the music so the words came easy to her as well. I'm sure you were also blessed with somekind of wonderful talent! God Bless.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
You know something renee? I am TRYING SO HARD TO LIKE YOU!!!!!!! but every single time I hear you sing, your phrasing pisssses me off so much, I leave your performance less happy then when I started it! Im trying here. I think your voice is incredible, so stop being so self indulgent and fucking sing the song with that big soul minus all the extra shit.
I hope you dont go to heaven, because you will just moan all day long!! Is nothing good enough for you! And you also show your lack of intelligence by using expletives about opera, save it for complaints about rap.
You obviously cant sing a note and you are p***ing me of SO much
I CARE about music yes! Guilty. You just think you know about it and frankly your comments are abusive, childish and pathetic!
You talk about me being bothered that much, you initiated hostilities.I saw her perform Thais last week live from the met and she is one of the few people in the world that can do the role at all and she was amazing. You obviously do not know anything about music or you wouldn't slag off such an artist. It is like putting an olympian down from the comfort of your sofa
You're absolutely right. I initiated hostilities. Renee Fleming is god. I dont know anything about music. (I should go criticize rap since obviously I know more about it) and since I don't play sports I shouldn't have any opinion about the olympics. And since apparently I don't sing or study music I shouldn't have an opinion about renee fleming.
Now please reply so you can have the last say, because I don't give a fuck about arguing this topic with someone who I don't know or care about.
She is the only singer who sang Thais with full voice from top to bottom - the role is usually sung by coloraturas because of the high D6s of the Mirror scene and that is why the role never met the success it deserved - the success it got when sung by Renee... for Massenet is not just a Genius, he was the French Bellini (and that is for me the greatest compliment I can give to an operatic composer)
I think Renee Fleming's rendition of this Puccini masterpiece is one of the very best! I also like the recordings by Anna Moffo and Maria Jose Siri better than some of the more-celebrated coloraturas' performances.
I love Leontyne...I love Kiri...and I love Renee... - It's so tough to say one is better than the other. obviously, we can compare this lovely song and Dove sono...and make our opinions. If I had to choose my favorite...well - I just love Leontyne's overall body of work...(nobody can come close to her Leonora or Aida)!!!!!
Uhhhh Yes, She can be Beaten.... By Ms. Leotyne Price, but this one was Great also... Ms. Price had a more feeling and Who honestly can outsing LEOTYNE PRICE???? No One!!!
I dont know. I love renee. But she recorded this..it could have taken her 10 times to sing this aria this way. Leontyne on the other hand performs this song at this or a higher level..LIVE.
This is the first time that I listen to this aria sung by Renée I really liked it. My favourite was Elizabeth Hardwood's rendition... I still have some others to listen too, Price, Moffo, Kiri. Thank you. ñ_ñ
Fleming does not live here. This is a mathematical concept to which I am listening. Where is the life here. Too slow, too studied. Not free and easy. Not ecstatic. Not rapturous. Not swept with utter glory. Leontyne lives and breathes this aria like no other singer can, not anyone, none, nowhere.
Not being a singer myself (more's the pity), I always enjoy hearing comments from those who do. You will always hear things I don't. But I have to ask...what is there, really, in the glorious voice of Miss Fleming, to truly criticize? Her emotion and habitation of her roles just stuns me. In my blissful igorance, I have to ask: isn't it sometimes enough to just close your eyes and float, without all the cerebral dissection? Just asking. What do I know? :)
I prefer Leontyne Price or Kiri but what does it matter? How lucky we are to live in an age where all these great performances from women blessed with amazing voices can be shared like this!
Renee's version is beautiful...I think Anna Moffo's version is the best i've ever heard...her version is smoother and more subtle..Devia also does a good job..Renee really shines on this one..
you have all of tha backwards, there is no bad recording. Kiris studio recording of this, posted by thecelticinme with a video montage of her live performances, is simply sublime, and all the live performances are too. renee is good, but i just dont really care for her sound, or her readings, they are, to me, rather pedestrian and i dont like the "smooth" or "rich" quality that renee fans cite as their reason for liking her, to me it sounds a bit throaty. I like Kiri's halo much more.
a very beautiful lady with an exquisite voice and this rendition is so beautiful words escape me so I shall just enjoy and encourage others too to do likewise bravo Rene and thanks so much for posting this rubenmsk, Dia Dhuit ( God be with you)
The first time I heard this Eileen Farrell had recorded it in the mid 60s...When I heard Renee's versionI was absolutely stunned by it's intricate simplicity and her gentle yet powerfully felt treatment of one of Puccini's most beautidful arias
Now I know what excellence is suuposed to sound like in a voice.
yeah i have sad just the true, renee fleming is one of the best puccini's performers around the world, besides her kind of voice, now you are a friend else for know what perfection is bye
I like Angela Gheorghiu's version, though Fleming and Te Kanawa are also awesome.
solideogloria4ever 1 week ago
This version is just awful.
mschafer13 3 weeks ago
@mschafer13 who do you think does it better?
pinkbeachloverable 2 weeks ago
PILAR LORENGAR.....KIRI TE KANAWA.......Y RENE FLEMING....LAS TRES MEJORES VERSIONES DE ESTA ARIA........TRES DIOSAS........
bellini7verdi 2 months ago
@bellini7verdi My vote: You left out Montserrat--best of all; and Leontyne is right up there but had a bit of pitch problems.
ozlock 1 week ago
Am I right in saying there are marked differences between Kiri te Kanawa and Fleming? Fleming has a fuller, "chestier" sound, almost mezzo-ish, and a great way of (what to call it? In strings it's portato, sliding - there is probably a term for eliding notes). Kiri has a fiery pure focused sound that just galvanizes the soul, and you recognize her sound instantly. This is not to say either one is "better" or "worse": both incredible vocal artists for their time.
ferociousgumby 3 months ago
A really beautiful rendition - and another ethereal version = Kiri Te Kanawa's in the early 80s, possibly at the Royal Albert Hall. Both versions take the listener to a wonderful heavenly musical place!
Misstroble90 4 months ago
wonderfull
s8005 5 months ago
greattttttttttt
s8005 6 months ago
How beautiful. I love this aria, whether it's sung by Fleming, Ti Kanawa or Freni - all sing it so utterly wonderfully.
mrsspanner14 8 months ago
Renee and Leontyne are the two best in this aria
LohengrinT 10 months ago
I'm sure Puccini is proud of you!
kirlangic8 11 months ago
Kanawa did sing it better but Flemmings vocal emotions are better
kmurr0102 11 months ago
Kiri Te Kanawa sung it better
kmurr0102 11 months ago
I had heard Flemming, Gheorghiu, Kanawa, Callas, and others and found them "better" in terms hitting high notes without struggling and hold them with such constancy than the "three tenors". I am beginning like sopranos better. Am I right in my "analysis"? Obviously, I am not a musician because I can't even describe what or why I like certain singers and their interpretations.
senior1110 11 months ago
@senior1110
Really, it is not so great to compare sopranos and tenors! We love them for different reasons, surely... it is a completely different sound. So you can like both! Maybe you have a preference for a certain type of voice, but really, one cannot say - tenors are better than sopranos, or the other way around.
thelouisfanclub 8 months ago 3
Renee Fleming sings this so beautifully that I find myself in a state of euphoria!
gczwarkiel 1 year ago
Caballé
orovalleydude 1 year ago 2
@orovalleydude Yes, the definitive version - no one can touch her!
mwk12kev 2 months ago
her tone makes the piece.
jgdmol4l 1 year ago
Some opera singers merely sing the words but there are a blessed few who really live each and every word. Renee Fleming is definitely one of those blessed few. Is she the voices in the world well...that opera buffs is open to opinion. However, when it comes to sheer artistry and dedication to the libretto, the music and the character, there are even fewer better than Ms. Fleming (in my humble opinion). Rather than petty, childish YouTube rants and hateful comments about singers, appreciate.
abstractpapabear 1 year ago
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Some basics:
1. This aria is from Puccini's opera/operetta 'La Rondine'.
2. Though it is an account of a dream of Doretta, the aria is actually sung by Magda.
3. The part was created by Gilda dalla Rizza; the aria's high tessitura sat well in her voice. It goes up to a top C#, not a C.
4. For a "High Sop", this is not a super high note..
pianomags 1 year ago
Very moving. Beautiful rendition!
grafmandryka 1 year ago
i melt...
Tonili11 1 year ago
Beautiful...Amazing on the high C
kikiluvdiva22 1 year ago
I was surprised by this performance. Why does she slide up to some of the notes instead of hitting them squarely? All in all a very good recording, however. I think I still prefer the Leontyne Price Blue Album (RCA LSC 2506) recording. Perhaps if I heard Fleming sing it live I'd be happier. I've heard Price do it live six or seven times and it never failed to get me.
Mavicaman 1 year ago
@Mavicaman I noticed that, too. She's still great, but I agree that Leontyne is better.
Glowwriter 1 year ago
WOW.....she's good....!!!!
Trutzblatt 1 year ago
Absolutely amazingly beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG! WHat is this now??? Love her voice.
MsVelvetVocals 1 year ago
My god. The longing in that beautiful voice, especially at 2:06 - 2:20. Did Doretta ever remember that boy so passionately before or since?
unclealand 1 year ago
I absolutely LOVE this aria and LOVE Renee Fleming! The high C made me cry!
carminacat93 1 year ago 3
Simply breathtaking.
phlashba 1 year ago
To be wowed by this after listening to all the others testifies to the stupendous beauty of Fleming's rendition, which is partly enhanced by the fact that she swells to the c, allowing more fullness to the sound than is customary, then following with the ultra delicate pianissimo b-flat. Interesting. So glad to have access to so many brilliant renditions here on Youtube. Thanks for posting.
emeboteerf 1 year ago
To be wowed by this after listening to all the others testifies to the stupdendous beauty of Fleming's rendition, which is partly enhanced by the fact that she swells to the c, allowing more fullness to the sound than is customary, then following with the ultra delicate b-flat. Interesting. So glad to have access to so many brilliant renditions here on Youtube. Thanks for posting.
emeboteerf 1 year ago
Bravisssima !!!!
gutzaOlgutza 1 year ago
Her high C's in piano are perfect
Kivimusic 1 year ago 2
I love how expressive she is! I love this aria, regardless of the singer. After hearing so many versions, this one and Kiri te Kanawa's are definitely my favorites :)
bridgetgnixon 1 year ago
I think Renee can do very little wrong. sometimes hangs on to notes too long to show off her amazing capacity for breath control to the detriment of the aria. Always impressive though. I have three recordings. The moffo is absolutely exhilerating, damn I wish I could spell, Kiri and Placido I think is the bench mark, and angela so divine. Maybe its just the overwhelmingly beautiful music of Puccini we all love.
Cheers
flyboytim 1 year ago
i think her version is the best) very beautiful and gentle,BRAVA!
777Muse 1 year ago
how high does this aria go?
pinkyshoes13 2 years ago
Top C
Eurofrank1 2 years ago
The high note is a C.
Ahdold 1 year ago
no one tops MOFFO's but this is pretty close!
capes02 2 years ago
if you haven't, check out caballe. i think she has the best technique. although not the prettiest.
fongal1 2 years ago
semplicemente meravigliosa!
sganghiforever 2 years ago 2
second to only price!
blckglam 2 years ago 2
i love her high notes!
trosnakiel 2 years ago
Beautiful recording - back when Renee was still singing very well. I enjoyed her interpretation but I feel like this piece needs a bit more of a forward direction to it. Leontyne Price has to be my absolute favorite in this piece. I just love Renee's color.
aroncooker 2 years ago
please put the lyrics on your information box and i will come back to this again and again
cottagecheese54 2 years ago
Not an easy aria for her. A bit of a stretch!
shirleysvoice 2 years ago
those high notes even sound good on my computer's crappy speakers.
afried01 2 years ago
i'm crying
aewbrclo7 2 years ago
i cannot stop listening to to this. love it!
lostpinguin 2 years ago
Neither can I!! She's a amazing!
blkmichaux 2 years ago
Thanks for sharing this! This is proof positive of why La Fleming is truly the Diva of our times.
dseanmat 2 years ago
She is too good! No human should be able to sing this pretty! LOL! Great wok Renee! :)
blkmichaux 2 years ago 3
Beautiful voice, great artist... and the best dressed of the opera : ) regards, and success!!
golfroylan 2 years ago
this ia better than the Price
jayhoodg 2 years ago
jay. Not for me. Both Price and Te Kanawa are so much better than this. I find that Renee's voice is "dark".
swanningaround 2 years ago
great singer no doubt...
To my taste somewhat too studied..
Also, she's very beautiful.
israelkastoriano 2 years ago
Its a lovely performance. Not a good idea to compare anyone to Leontyne Price. Not anyone.
higharch 2 years ago 11
I completely agree; I must admit I am a huge fan of Ms. Fleming's work, but when I saw someone said "Better than Price!" I winced
PianistandFencer 2 years ago 3
goose bumps up and down every time.
SieglindeMoos 2 years ago
ugh.....obsessed!
cdaae3 2 years ago
This always makes me cry!!!!!
Absolutely beautiful!!!!
bery79 2 years ago
Sinceramente, la migliore interpretazione di quest'aria che abbia mai ascoltato. In disco....
sincrotto 2 years ago
Veramente...è straordinaria.
albert5218 2 years ago
E purtroppo anche lei non è più giovanissima...
sincrotto 2 years ago
Sì, è vero ma anche se cominciano a sentirsi i segni dell'età, credo che altri cinque-sei anni a grandi livelli li possa fare ancora.
Speriamo!
Tuperatacu 2 years ago
ok, now I've listened to Leontynne singing obviously in her golden years. Renee must've seen this! They're equals. And look who the conductor is.
debjmorgan 2 years ago
So far of the sops I've listened to on this aria, Renee rules. Haven't gotten to Leontyne yet. I've seen the score, and she takes--or perhaps the conductor allows her to take--molto liberties w/tempi, which add to the sensitivity, I think. And her piannismi!! Makes everyone else sound like a screamer.
debjmorgan 2 years ago
Well...I have just listened to Te Kanawa (not being a fan of hers), from '81 with Lombard conducting, and I wouldn't call that screaming. Perhaps you have to extend your Rondine list...
zeniastroph 2 years ago
Listen Ainhoa Arteta: Awesome!!!
alvarito45 2 years ago
Fantastic!!! I am happy to see Renee Fleming in 2 days in Royal Opera House as Violetta! I AM SO HAPPY!!!! Michael,London
Mishellable 2 years ago
1:30-2:20 is one of THE most beautiful moments in ANY Opera aria in my honest opinion!
hillevifan 2 years ago 5
i agree..i cried when she climbed to the C so gracefully
musoph21 2 years ago
my favorite version!!!!
cirabella 2 years ago
I really love her version of this aria. Beautifully done. The only thing I find puzzling are those gasps (I'm not sure if they really are gasps) at the end of her phrases. I find her use of breath always so facinating to listen to and I wonder what everyone thinks. In the past when I've wondered about this I've been really lambasted for not liking her...I do, I'm just not a fan of the "gasping" (for lack of a better word) She's equal to none and her rendition of this aria is so pleasing.
elisarig 2 years ago 2
Her wierd gasping at the end of phrases actually reminds me of another great singer, Barbra Streisand. Who had the uncanny ability to extend notes to an unprecedented degree...but she always took this quick little gulp of air afterwards. It's almost as if, psychologically, she was able to make her body push breath out on the condition it would get air again immediately. Try it when singing, you'll be surprised how effective it is, but it comes with that odd quirk as a price so to speak.
FoggyRoad81 2 years ago
Comment removed
Pywacket2 2 years ago
I would judge the gasping as Fleming's breath release, and is probably part and parcel of her technique. For better or worse, she uses it as an emotional tool in the line. I also hear a kind of grabbing at the beginning of some phrases, which makes sense: if the onset of tone is grabbed, then the release is gasped. Fortunately, what lies between onset and release is pure beauty.
nickditoro 2 years ago 2
She is the closest singer to date that can come close to Leontyne Price. The warmth, depth and beauty of this instrument is extraordinary!
gj2855 2 years ago 3
Splendid voice and interpretation,the tempo is just ideal. When i listen to Renne's voice in this aria,especially on the highest notes,i just feel as if her soul opens, it's a wonderful feeling.
Nandinike 2 years ago 4
Que maravilha!!!
pippofan123 2 years ago
Very enjoyable. I dare to say this is my favourite Puccini aria, and done by one of the singers I admire the most, and to whom I have an enormous debt for the knowledge she transmited to me.
tomasitok2 2 years ago 3
beautiful, really well done. In fact I have been comparing this aria on you tube online and also found a relatively unknown singer, Jennifer Winn, performing this aria and it's gorgeous. I am intrigued by the talent out there. The aria should be called the"Art of the High C". i like these two the best.
tenorboston 3 years ago
the best Doretta on you tube
isn't?
maxtanz 3 years ago 2
All I gotta say is check out Kira Te Kanawa's version
sureokuhhuh 3 years ago
Fleming has got an absolutely beautiful voice...perhaps at times, she chooses to indulge in the wrong repertoire, but this is simply divine!! Prefer it far more to Te Kanawas.
sandytheslayer 3 years ago 4
Had this been a vocalise, the beautiful, creamy, soft and rich voice of Ms Fleming would have satisfied me: just some minor strain in the two difficult notes of felici-tà and d'or. Nothing of real importance.
Problem is this is opera, this should be a character: it's not just the faulty pronunciation, it's also the total lack of an interpretation.
idraote 3 years ago
I adore Renee Fleming! I cannot sing a note. When I was in the second grade, the music teacher ridiculed me in front of the entire class, because I could not sing The Star Spangled Banner. Maybe that is one reason why I learned to love opera. I can never understand how a person can make such a beautiful sound while singing. I could not do it, consequently I was the laughing stock of the music class. That is why I adore great singing and great arias. Love you, Renee!
lydiadugan 3 years ago 3
I love opera and beautiful singing, but can't sing anything myself. I joined the singing club in the 5th grade and was politely asked to leave. So ashamed of myself, I couldn't even tell anyone about my humiliation. My father was a music professor, playing a number of instruments, but I could not do well (honestly, not even adquately) with any instrument. Nevertheless I love music. I thought I was the only person so awkward in but hugely fond of music.
bjou520 2 years ago
Trust me if you can sing high notes like that like me, it is just a GOD givin talent. They make it look hard, but it is really easy for them. Renee Fleming was raised around the music so the words came easy to her as well. I'm sure you were also blessed with somekind of wonderful talent! God Bless.
marieangel222 2 years ago 3
Sensuous. Ravishing.
rity63 3 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
You know something renee? I am TRYING SO HARD TO LIKE YOU!!!!!!! but every single time I hear you sing, your phrasing pisssses me off so much, I leave your performance less happy then when I started it! Im trying here. I think your voice is incredible, so stop being so self indulgent and fucking sing the song with that big soul minus all the extra shit.
Chilair1 3 years ago
I hope you dont go to heaven, because you will just moan all day long!! Is nothing good enough for you! And you also show your lack of intelligence by using expletives about opera, save it for complaints about rap.
You obviously cant sing a note and you are p***ing me of SO much
tegid699 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
LOL
"save it for complaints about rap!"
Your life must be great if a comment someone makes on youtube bothers you that much.
Chilair1 3 years ago
I CARE about music yes! Guilty. You just think you know about it and frankly your comments are abusive, childish and pathetic!
You talk about me being bothered that much, you initiated hostilities.I saw her perform Thais last week live from the met and she is one of the few people in the world that can do the role at all and she was amazing. You obviously do not know anything about music or you wouldn't slag off such an artist. It is like putting an olympian down from the comfort of your sofa
tegid699 3 years ago 14
You're absolutely right. I initiated hostilities. Renee Fleming is god. I dont know anything about music. (I should go criticize rap since obviously I know more about it) and since I don't play sports I shouldn't have any opinion about the olympics. And since apparently I don't sing or study music I shouldn't have an opinion about renee fleming.
Now please reply so you can have the last say, because I don't give a fuck about arguing this topic with someone who I don't know or care about.
Chilair1 3 years ago
Troll.
tegid699 3 years ago
@tegid699
She is the only singer who sang Thais with full voice from top to bottom - the role is usually sung by coloraturas because of the high D6s of the Mirror scene and that is why the role never met the success it deserved - the success it got when sung by Renee... for Massenet is not just a Genius, he was the French Bellini (and that is for me the greatest compliment I can give to an operatic composer)
Btw this is the greatest reading of the aria ever
LohengrinT 1 year ago
Fleming est magnifique dans cet air. Il n'y a pas d'autre mot que "sublime" pour décrire son interprétation de cet air.
aurele65 3 years ago 2
I've been on an Anna Moffo binge...and it won't go away - maybe because she was a goddess!!!! everything she sang was amazing.
beefnotfish 3 years ago
BRAVA. Absolutely perfect.
charismacake04 3 years ago
Chi il bel sogno di Doretta
Potè indovinar?
Il suo mister come mai
Come mai fini
rociomorlan 3 years ago
Cette interprétation est tout simplement sublime!
alberich88 3 years ago 4
I think Renee Fleming's rendition of this Puccini masterpiece is one of the very best! I also like the recordings by Anna Moffo and Maria Jose Siri better than some of the more-celebrated coloraturas' performances.
miklamar 3 years ago 2
I love Leontyne...I love Kiri...and I love Renee... - It's so tough to say one is better than the other. obviously, we can compare this lovely song and Dove sono...and make our opinions. If I had to choose my favorite...well - I just love Leontyne's overall body of work...(nobody can come close to her Leonora or Aida)!!!!!
beefnotfish 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Sounds like a polished jellyfish. Abysmally naive. This blonde simpleton really has no idea what's going on in this music.
crimsontoxic 3 years ago
you are better are you? I doubt it.
tegid699 3 years ago
Absolutely beautiful.
I like Kiri's version, too.
CrystalFlames 3 years ago
This is the best version of this song, without question. Not saying she can outsing Ms.Price, just saying this is the best version. Cheers
mjfergs 3 years ago
Uhhhh Yes, She can be Beaten.... By Ms. Leotyne Price, but this one was Great also... Ms. Price had a more feeling and Who honestly can outsing LEOTYNE PRICE???? No One!!!
SAImmaRose 3 years ago
I think Renee does outsing Ms.Price in this aria! The slower tempo helps.
willthrillws 3 years ago
I dont know. I love renee. But she recorded this..it could have taken her 10 times to sing this aria this way. Leontyne on the other hand performs this song at this or a higher level..LIVE.
musoph21 3 years ago
@musoph21 ... heard renee do it live in 1999, and it rocked... was actually better live. love leontyne, too.
jtdendy 2 years ago
@jtdendy i can see that. I have yet to see her live..i wonder what she would be like
musoph21 2 years ago
@musoph21 she's great live! go see her if you get the chance! even though she is over 50 now, she still sounds great.
jtdendy 2 years ago
Truly magnificent. Can she be beaten at this gorgeous aria?
22441932 3 years ago
Exquisite!
patriciadunford 3 years ago
Renee,as gorgeous as always...thanks.
victoriamadeus 3 years ago
Perfection!!!
operacrasher 3 years ago
This was gorgeous.
Anthrofocus 3 years ago
This is the first time that I listen to this aria sung by Renée I really liked it. My favourite was Elizabeth Hardwood's rendition... I still have some others to listen too, Price, Moffo, Kiri. Thank you. ñ_ñ
ritchiereech 3 years ago
This is one of my favorite arias. Because Renée sings it at a slower pace makes all the difference (in my humble opinion)
mimi4everloves 3 years ago 5
Fleming does not live here. This is a mathematical concept to which I am listening. Where is the life here. Too slow, too studied. Not free and easy. Not ecstatic. Not rapturous. Not swept with utter glory. Leontyne lives and breathes this aria like no other singer can, not anyone, none, nowhere.
trinte33 3 years ago
Not being a singer myself (more's the pity), I always enjoy hearing comments from those who do. You will always hear things I don't. But I have to ask...what is there, really, in the glorious voice of Miss Fleming, to truly criticize? Her emotion and habitation of her roles just stuns me. In my blissful igorance, I have to ask: isn't it sometimes enough to just close your eyes and float, without all the cerebral dissection? Just asking. What do I know? :)
tomkellycartoons 3 years ago 5
I prefer Leontyne Price or Kiri but what does it matter? How lucky we are to live in an age where all these great performances from women blessed with amazing voices can be shared like this!
dollartwenty 3 years ago 2
sigh...what a beautiful song. I love Renee!
operalover87 3 years ago 2
Renee's version of every aria seems to trump all others. She's my golden standard.
Lizzyjean5 3 years ago 4
vocal chords kissed by god
gurudyhunk 3 years ago 2
Renee's version is beautiful...I think Anna Moffo's version is the best i've ever heard...her version is smoother and more subtle..Devia also does a good job..Renee really shines on this one..
musoph21 3 years ago
I prefer Organasova.
kazimierzmichalkiwic 3 years ago
Bravissima Renee
lady00010 3 years ago 3
holy crap.
i never knew one woman could have such a beautiful voice!
this is even better than kiri te kanawa.
sangeetamondal93 3 years ago
Kiri owns her
paulotomaso 3 years ago 3
Nope. She owns kiri. When Fleming sings, she's so much smoother.
Or it just might be the fact that there is no GOOD recording of kiri singing this song.
sangeetamondal93 3 years ago
you have all of tha backwards, there is no bad recording. Kiris studio recording of this, posted by thecelticinme with a video montage of her live performances, is simply sublime, and all the live performances are too. renee is good, but i just dont really care for her sound, or her readings, they are, to me, rather pedestrian and i dont like the "smooth" or "rich" quality that renee fans cite as their reason for liking her, to me it sounds a bit throaty. I like Kiri's halo much more.
paulotomaso 3 years ago 3
a very beautiful lady with an exquisite voice and this rendition is so beautiful words escape me so I shall just enjoy and encourage others too to do likewise bravo Rene and thanks so much for posting this rubenmsk, Dia Dhuit ( God be with you)
incaalpaca 3 years ago 4
My favorite aria of all time--and the first one I ever learned out of the Puccini canon. And Ms. Fleming is exquisite.
beaglemusic 4 years ago 3
The first time I heard this Eileen Farrell had recorded it in the mid 60s...When I heard Renee's versionI was absolutely stunned by it's intricate simplicity and her gentle yet powerfully felt treatment of one of Puccini's most beautidful arias
Now I know what excellence is suuposed to sound like in a voice.
steelguy04 4 years ago 4
yeah i have sad just the true, renee fleming is one of the best puccini's performers around the world, besides her kind of voice, now you are a friend else for know what perfection is bye
rubenmsk 4 years ago