I have seen Renee Fleming several times at the Metropolitan Opera. Her performances have thrilled me every time. When I saw Otello, her Ave Maria was extraordinarily moving.
Renee nailed every one of the roulades with dead-on pitch accuracy. The ornamentation is period appropriate. Her diction is perfect. Above all she sings with great expression and joy. Who could ask for more? The orchestra is wonderful as well. I graduated 3 years ahead of her at SUNY Potsdam...even then she was a non-attitudinal star! Well done, prima donna assoluta!
@jorab9356 I have to disagree very strongly with your comments about Renee's florid singing. Her runs are generally rather muddied and oversung. Handelian style calls for less voice and pinpoint accuracy in such passages. We do not hear this in Renee's performance. She has a beautiful voice and sings many other styles ravishingly, but she should leave Handel to alone. Furthermore, the ornamention of the da capo is very ungainly.
She was slightly under pitch on some high notes; I thought that the rhythm was 'off' on occasion. I am not referring to the cadenzas, but Baroque is centred on very precise tempo, which was not entirely there; a not-spot-on performance by a generally excellent performer.
@judgehort I never cease to be amazed that people like yourself have to flaunt their egos by making negative comments about excellent performances by top artists.
Especially patronising remark: "A generally excellent performer" !
try amazon.com. this performance was issued on dvd and fleming recorded a holiday album called sacred songs that features this aria. the recording label is decca.
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, shout O daughter of Jerusalem, behold they king cometh unto thee. He is the righteous Saviour and he shall speak peace unto the heathen. (Zechariah IX,9, 10)
Esta mujer mantiene intacta,no tan solo su voz,sino también su enorme belleza,belleza que la acompaña desde sus primeros años.Observarla y escucharla es un verdadero privilegio.
@PaulFagundes You might not like it, but it is certainly not awful.
I think the "notes or vibrato" you are querying are the trills which are highly appropriate for baroque music. She has a beautiful voice and sings musically and expressively.
@MrFpam Fair enough then- I don't like it! Trills are indeed appropriate for this repertoire, but clarity is of the utmost importance. Ms. Fleming does a very poor job of delineating the piece's incredible runs. Also, she is noticeably under the pitch several times, and I found her obbligato at the end in poor taste. I love Sylvia McNair's and Kathleen Battle's renditions. To each his own!
@PaulFagundes Glad you like Sylvia McNair (highly regarded here in her home country Australia) and Kathleen Battle! Both have similar voices and similar style. As you rightly say: to each his own! "Chacun a son gout" !
oh come on she's on not infallible - especially in the slow middle section, those lines do not feel connected. i would prefer more legato. also, the fast parts she's like twitching all about, in sound and body. robot fleming...is...mal..functioning
Renee has a gorgeous voice and style but I just think sometimes when you do ornaments you have to be careful not to overdo your vibrato which can be really difficult in such a fast work. I also personally don't like to complicate the ornaments too much to the point where it sounds too rushed. Incredible voice gymnastics!
i love renee fleming...she has an amazing voice, but i have to say i was disappointed when i heard this one :( she sounds like she's pushing everything out through her nose. it is a difficult song to sing (i used to do it every year for about 5 years running, 3 performances a year), but she's working way too hard at it and with her voice she shouldn't have to. i think i'll go listen to her performance of dove sono and try to forget about this :s
Renee Fleming is a very accomplished soprano and she has a wonderful voice. However, I must agree with some of the comments below. This is not her best performance. She uses a very significant amount of vibrato in her singing which creates real problems on these coloratura passages where the vibrato outstrips all the moving parts and creates a mushy sound where it is almost impossible to tell what notes she is singing. Listen by contrast to Lynne Dawson (also on You Tube) singing this piece.
Renee's voice is just a little too dark for Handel in general. Plus, I have no idea how she manages to sing English as if it's a foreign language to her....
Really? Where did you get Handel's oppinions or requests regarding the voice color for the pieces he composed? I would be interested to know since I am a Baroque specialist.
Renee Fleming is indeed amazing. I do agree with some of the comments however, i. e. her voice is too dark for this selection, or that her vibrato needs to be toned down. There are SO many different types of sopranos, not all can sing the same literature. I bow down before Kathleen Battle's Mozart, but when she sings Mein Herr Marquis I wanna shoot myself.
Renee is an artist who can do, and a critic is one who can't so they try to undo what an artist can. It is out of jealousy and bitterness from the heart that one would deny this woman all the regal grace she brings to every one of her performances.
No -- I love her on so many things, but this was not her best. I wondered if she would run up to the high Bb, and sure enough she did, but then took the starch out of it with the even higher unscored graces. I just don't think she's quite within the style -- there's a lot of room for playing in the da capo, but this isn't doing the work or herself the very best favors. Not bad -- exciting, even -- just not on target.
The Early Music folk draw a line. They hold fast. Here we have A=410. Fine. I sing primarily Mozart -Stravinsky. But I was married for years to an fine sackbut player. Look, Haendel wrote this for boy sopranos, but we've embraced the sop.& mezzo parts for women since. Women sing like women. I foresee no truce in the vibrato vs straight tone fight. Forget it. Argue concert pitch or something.
if you listen carefully you notice that instead of singing the "o" of rejoyce she say "a" because its much more ease to sing that way... not the best performance of this aria
@Hipno33 ~ A proper "O" vowel is an "AH" with rounded lips. The tongue & jaw in same relaxed state. "O" must modify to more AH thru the passagio upward. Her ornaments are flawless. But we all have warts. She goes for it. I like it.
she is a goddess! unparalleled control and inflection. and she makes it look so effortless. her approach to each phrase and note is truly a remarkable example of finesse and grace. my god she is gorgeous!!
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."
I think she has my friend. Even the editors of the "Watkins-Shaw" edition provide only "suggestions" for ornamentation. What a bore Baroque would be if you only performed what was written. For that matter - you better chide the Harpsichordist as well - he seems to be "taking some liberty" with Msr. Handel's score. Wait a minute - is any of this Handel's to mess with - didn't he steal most of his melodies? I guess you were absent that day! Cheers-CMJ
This is without doubt (in my humble opinion) one of the most visionary performances of this Messiah aria I have ever heard. Renee Fleming is outstanding. To the critics, I would urge a careful study of performance practice. Her ornamentation is flawless. Bravo.
Yes, SerenaLuce! Cencic is also a big voice for the baroque of Handel. Fleming is more to sing in Giant Stadium of the National Football League of USA!
@enrom55 I agree. Still she is not a bad singer. Just not "my" voice. But people mentioned here Fleming's Song to the moon from Rusalka. In my opinion it's nothing in comparison with Netrebko's version! Brava Anna!
She is a beautiful woman and overall not a bad singer! But is it really Handel she is singing here? It's not even quasi classical style like Sara Brightman's! It's a somewhat pop concert performance! This awful "greatly" e.g. on 1.00! Her embelishment in the third part is impossible to listen! Sutherland and Auger sing it so beautifully! But if people were not prejudiced against countertenors they'd hear that the best version is CENCIC's!
In spite of the level of excellence of Renée Fleming, I do not like either his voice or his diction nor his vibrato. I love the voice of Lynne Dawson!
Thank you! This is the first thing that I listen on a newly installed computer . I like to listen to it every day! I know nothing about music, but I even like to try to sing it. When I sing it it's MY rendition!! Bless Handel's heart!
The ornamentation in Baroque music is optional at the conductor's pleasure(first) and with his/her permission, then the singer's. The problem is that we have become all to used to Ms.Fleming taking untoward liberties with music with little regard for the composer's intent, so it has become offensive to some ears even when allowed. I have no problem with her here, but let her tackle "Manon" and I can't deal with her...
Renee should respect this music and sing it as it was written. Without great artists and composers like Handel she would have no career. Yes, I am a Handel "purist." Considering he had a vision from God when he wrote this music, we shouldn't mess with it! Happy Birthday in heaven, Mr. Handel!!
The voice is relaxed, high and she follows the crescendos & descrescendos. She moves with the gaiety of the song. Kathleen is good. She mastered the piece and lashes when hitting those high & low notes.
She is such an inspiration! I can say from experience, this is NOT the easiest song to sing~ and she does it with such expression and grace! :) I'm about to sing this for a concert in Seal Beach, and most of my inspiration comes from her~ I think she sings this the best that I've heard!
Her singing voice reminds me of Dame Kire ka nawa the New Zealander that sung for royallty. Ive accompanied a singer to this movement and it's not as easy as it's sounds.
They're both wonderful in their own rep. I love Renee, but Battle owns this rep, regardless of what people might think of her as a person. There is no comparison--Battle's coloratura is far superior, though she could never dream of touching Renee's song to the moon or Susannah:)
im with you!!!! I was here wondering if somehow i was listening to a different recording form everybody else. this was not incredible. it was bad- the melodrama, the unnecessary turns and thrills, the butchering, aghhhh!!!!
I have read some negative commets below. It must be said that not everyone is going to "love" same singer. For example, a lot of people just Maria Callas where I don't. But I don't dimish her skill or training or dedication to what she loves. I keep those nasty comments to myself. Renee Fleming has a gorgeous voice, and unfaliing work ethic and is one of the greatest soprono's of our time. Likening her to a farm animal is not a sufficient critique
@kaleonani77 I agree competely. Music is a very personal thing, Not everyone likes the same things. I have always been a big fan of Kiri te Kanawa. There is something about her voice that just touches me. There is also a difference in jsut listening to someone sing or watching them perform. Some singer are just not great performers. Kathleen Battle being a good example in my opinion. Great voice, wonderful technique but her performances tend to be not on the same level as her singing.
Thse issue with Fleming is much the same as the issue with singers from Joan Sutherland to Juan Diego Florez. All are beautifully presented onstage with a beautiful voice and dubw technique, None represents the highest level of interpreting either the poetry or the musical phrasing. This never stopped Suttherland or Florez from rising to the top of the tree , because they, as well as Renee, are delightful people and welcome professionals who glorify their professsion as people.
The Fleming issue is the same issue as many have with Juan Diego de Florez and had with Dame Joan Sutherland. Delightful people who represented at all times advocates for their profession, all having beautiful voices and fine techniques as well as looking good onstage. Their common shortfall, which stopped none from rising to the top of the tree, is that they simply are neither particularly musical nor particularly poetic in classical music, so that their interpretations seem unusual.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Oooohhh, look at me. I'm Renee Fleming and I can get away with horribly inappropriate ornaments. Stick to the Countess, Rusalka, and the Marschallin sweetie!
Inappropriate?! I think they are fine. I was told once by one of the greatest singers of the 20th century "ornament the piece the way YOU want to do it." She's doing in the way she wants to...and she has earned the right to do it that way.
THANK YOU. I feel like even when she knows she's being vacant (in other performances as well) she closes her eyes as if that will change her sound. She has a great voice- DUH- but I also hear the vacancy, which is so sad because she's so talented!
Sheese ... the could the orchestra have chosen a faster tempo. Yikes ... too fast, too fast. What is it with directors who don't take lyrics into account.
indeed, particularly since the baroque period is when the lyric really started to be linked to the music. "doctrine of the affections" and all that...
Her muddy tone is just not suitable for this repertoire. And the dragging tempo in the middle section is so wrong, She should stick to the things that suit her voice and not think that she can sing everything
Depending on the school of training, trills can be produced by intentionally widening the vibrato. It is very common, in the Baroque style, to add ornaments that aren't necessarily in the Schirmer score. HAHA I love how people on here are such goldenrod purists. BUT IT DOESN'T SAY THAT IN MY SCORE! Give me a break. This is an incredibly difficult piece to sing, and seeing as how she doesn't have the most flexible voice in the world, I thought she did quite well by her standards.
I think I would be convinced that, if you can fight through all that vibrato, she was a fabulous singer. But then she has to say "greatly" like she was playing Bellatrix Lestrange. Even so, you can tell she could nail her intonation if it weren't drowned in vibrato - that's not something you can say for most.
Well I was following along in my score and it's written as a solid G there. Not an A going down to a G. Not that it sounds conspicuously wrong or anything ... but I don't see it written as a suspension.
the mere fact that you're following along in your score and expecting it to be exactly the same shows very clearly that you are not a singer. don't bother to comment if you're going to be a note nazi
Actually I am a singer, but I wasn't trying to "critique" her. I was just saying that it might be a chosen vocal ornament, but it's not a written one. Just stating a fact. Didn't mean to cause a whole controversy. I deeply apologize if I have offended.
you're arguing over the "written" ornaments? which version are you using then? handel alone wrote like, what three? and in the watkins shaw score (the definitive, and most commonly used) there are MANY alternative ornaments. and besides, whatever miss fleming wants to do to showcase her technique will fly with me. besides, that's pretty much standard performance practice for the period....
ok guys.! Just rejoice! and be happy!!!Even if world is falling down. If after all mundial crisis you have energy to make negatives comments...you become crazy
Overall, an excellent performance. Considering the location, the audio tech did a great job handling the backsplash of sound. The conductor did NOT look worried; he's merely concentrating on a this difficult piece. I CAN sing this aria: I've done it for over 25 years - twice for TV - and am always scoping out others' interpretations to add to mine, or drop those that don't come off as well. Personally, I sing this somewhat slower to get the color out of those runs, but each to their own :)
Overall, an excellent performance. Considering the location, the audio tech did a great job handling the backsplash of sound. The conductor did NOT look worried; he's merely concentrating on a this difficult piece. I CAN sing this aria: I've done it for over 25 years - twice for TV - and am always scoping out others' interpretations to add to mine, or drop those that don't come off as well. Personally, I sing this somewhat slower to get the color out of those runs, but each to their own :)
I love Rene but I don't think that she's on the top of her game here. It's not even as though she can't do early music either, she had a great Handel album!
Her colratura is good but it sounds more like belcanto sometimes then baroque.
A great performance, but not up to her standards. She can do much much better. I think though that there must have been some bad direction behind the scenes here that is to blame. I'd love to hear her do this again on her own terms.
Objectively speaking folks, I don't think this cuts it. Even the conductor looks worried in some parts. Her sound is rich and powerful, and the coloratura shrills are good though. This aria is not meant for a mezzo. What was she thinking? There are also some major tempo/rhythm problems which are shocking for someone of her caliber. Don't beat me up folks--just expressing my opinion!
I am whatever you mamma is. Take that Mr. tenor220. If you think I'm totally off base with her performance, you might care to read the other dismal assessments of this performance as well. Aren't you told old for name calling? That shows how mature you are!
i really like the starfish on her dress
bobachuu 1 week ago
SIMPLE: Renee Fleming continues to be one of the BEST VOICES EVER and she is ADORED by her Audiences.
Barb Todres/NYC
lovingee1 1 month ago
I have seen Renee Fleming several times at the Metropolitan Opera. Her performances have thrilled me every time. When I saw Otello, her Ave Maria was extraordinarily moving.
David50s 2 months ago
Renee nailed every one of the roulades with dead-on pitch accuracy. The ornamentation is period appropriate. Her diction is perfect. Above all she sings with great expression and joy. Who could ask for more? The orchestra is wonderful as well. I graduated 3 years ahead of her at SUNY Potsdam...even then she was a non-attitudinal star! Well done, prima donna assoluta!
jorab9356 2 months ago 3
@jorab9356 I have to disagree very strongly with your comments about Renee's florid singing. Her runs are generally rather muddied and oversung. Handelian style calls for less voice and pinpoint accuracy in such passages. We do not hear this in Renee's performance. She has a beautiful voice and sings many other styles ravishingly, but she should leave Handel to alone. Furthermore, the ornamention of the da capo is very ungainly.
vocalissimo1 2 weeks ago
@vocalissimo1 I'd have to agree with you. I love Renee but not singing this repertoire - her voice is too 'heavy' and lyric.
emma41093 2 weeks ago
It's pretty clear why she's at the head of the pack..
floydrharper 2 months ago
She is absolutely wonderful! I listened to her non stop when I learned this piece. Visit my channel and listen to my take on Rejoice!
defcon414 2 months ago
She was slightly under pitch on some high notes; I thought that the rhythm was 'off' on occasion. I am not referring to the cadenzas, but Baroque is centred on very precise tempo, which was not entirely there; a not-spot-on performance by a generally excellent performer.
judgehort 2 months ago
@judgehort I never cease to be amazed that people like yourself have to flaunt their egos by making negative comments about excellent performances by top artists.
Especially patronising remark: "A generally excellent performer" !
MrFpam 2 months ago
Oh Renee! Sing to me!
RavenSiren 2 months ago
Renee Fleming sings wonderful!! I will searching this CD! The label?
alpeninfo 2 months ago
@alpeninfo
try amazon.com. this performance was issued on dvd and fleming recorded a holiday album called sacred songs that features this aria. the recording label is decca.
asdfopera 2 months ago
The Lyric of Rejoice greatly:
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, shout O daughter of Jerusalem, behold they king cometh unto thee. He is the righteous Saviour and he shall speak peace unto the heathen. (Zechariah IX,9, 10)
alpeninfo 2 months ago
Can someone post the lyrics?
ZKJonathan 2 months ago
I think Renee is absoulately stunning! Beautiful lady and magnificant voice! Anyone that
is critical of this performance is stupid and a snob! Get a life jerks!
willkthomas 2 months ago
Whoever doesn't like this needs to get their ears checked! Renee never fails to impress me!
ayemusiced 2 months ago
Esta mujer mantiene intacta,no tan solo su voz,sino también su enorme belleza,belleza que la acompaña desde sus primeros años.Observarla y escucharla es un verdadero privilegio.
miguelitos28 2 months ago
Awsome one of my favorites, spellbinding, moving me to tears of joy!
mommachevy 3 months ago
Awful-- are those notes or vibrato? Her phenomenal success is a mystery to me.
PaulFagundes 3 months ago
@PaulFagundes You might not like it, but it is certainly not awful.
I think the "notes or vibrato" you are querying are the trills which are highly appropriate for baroque music. She has a beautiful voice and sings musically and expressively.
MrFpam 3 months ago
@MrFpam Fair enough then- I don't like it! Trills are indeed appropriate for this repertoire, but clarity is of the utmost importance. Ms. Fleming does a very poor job of delineating the piece's incredible runs. Also, she is noticeably under the pitch several times, and I found her obbligato at the end in poor taste. I love Sylvia McNair's and Kathleen Battle's renditions. To each his own!
PaulFagundes 3 months ago
@PaulFagundes Glad you like Sylvia McNair (highly regarded here in her home country Australia) and Kathleen Battle! Both have similar voices and similar style. As you rightly say: to each his own! "Chacun a son gout" !
MrFpam 3 months ago
@PaulFagundes seriously? tell you what - you do a better job on this piece and then we'll give a shit what you have to say about it.
betenoireindustries 2 months ago
Great operatic singer and actress that Renee is she is most definitely NOT a
singer capable of interpreting the complexities of Handel's ethereal music.
Petroskeyful1 3 months ago
oh come on she's on not infallible - especially in the slow middle section, those lines do not feel connected. i would prefer more legato. also, the fast parts she's like twitching all about, in sound and body. robot fleming...is...mal..functioning
mikeischangingplaces 3 months ago
@mikeischangingplaces You are entitled to your opinion, but few would agree with you.
It is a valid interpretation even if not flawless.
MrFpam 3 months ago
omg i have to learn this for my audition...its so freakin hard
Ninaki13th 4 months ago
this is gorgeous! brava for her (: this was a great period for her.
emilykol 5 months ago
well sang! I love the clarity of lyrics others are as if chewing words, this version goes really well! Kudos.
xiaolong143 5 months ago
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Awesome! Just Awesome.
dalizo2009 6 months ago
Her vibrato in voice is awesome
jaina1992 6 months ago 3
Listen to Sylvia McNair................
emilysy99 6 months ago
She is awesome, but the tempo is a bit too fast for my taste.
litenslick1 8 months ago
Renee has a gorgeous voice and style but I just think sometimes when you do ornaments you have to be careful not to overdo your vibrato which can be really difficult in such a fast work. I also personally don't like to complicate the ornaments too much to the point where it sounds too rushed. Incredible voice gymnastics!
MsCSCG 8 months ago
BRAVISIMA!
I LOVE YOU RENEE
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!
I'll never forget the day we met <3
KriBlackRoson 9 months ago
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piashona143 10 months ago
i love renee fleming...she has an amazing voice, but i have to say i was disappointed when i heard this one :( she sounds like she's pushing everything out through her nose. it is a difficult song to sing (i used to do it every year for about 5 years running, 3 performances a year), but she's working way too hard at it and with her voice she shouldn't have to. i think i'll go listen to her performance of dove sono and try to forget about this :s
melmo112083 11 months ago
Renee Fleming is a very accomplished soprano and she has a wonderful voice. However, I must agree with some of the comments below. This is not her best performance. She uses a very significant amount of vibrato in her singing which creates real problems on these coloratura passages where the vibrato outstrips all the moving parts and creates a mushy sound where it is almost impossible to tell what notes she is singing. Listen by contrast to Lynne Dawson (also on You Tube) singing this piece.
MrDavidPun 1 year ago
parece fácil. mais apenas parece!
doutoreinstein 1 year ago
Renee's voice is just a little too dark for Handel in general. Plus, I have no idea how she manages to sing English as if it's a foreign language to her....
OnMyWaytotheFLA 1 year ago
@OnMyWaytotheFLA
Really? Where did you get Handel's oppinions or requests regarding the voice color for the pieces he composed? I would be interested to know since I am a Baroque specialist.
DrGarri 1 year ago
Beautiful voice; beautiful performer. WHAT were they thinking about this dress though. EeeeK!
Borzoi86 1 year ago
She's so pretty!
REBECCAtheSOPRANO 1 year ago
Renee' is brilliant. She makes this seem effortless. Talents such as this are such blessings, and don't come around very often..
reblking 1 year ago
Renee Fleming is indeed amazing. I do agree with some of the comments however, i. e. her voice is too dark for this selection, or that her vibrato needs to be toned down. There are SO many different types of sopranos, not all can sing the same literature. I bow down before Kathleen Battle's Mozart, but when she sings Mein Herr Marquis I wanna shoot myself.
StephanieClonts 1 year ago
Renee is an artist who can do, and a critic is one who can't so they try to undo what an artist can. It is out of jealousy and bitterness from the heart that one would deny this woman all the regal grace she brings to every one of her performances.
bparno 1 year ago 2
DIction is perfect, and honestly is one of the best musicians working as a classical singer. The orchestra sounds fantastic too. =D
bljoy126 1 year ago 3
I like her, but she does not look like she is rejoicing.
Rather like she is just reciting a boring text over and over again.
temperanceluv81 1 year ago
Wahnsinn, was für eine Stimme!
karlkeks88 1 year ago
No -- I love her on so many things, but this was not her best. I wondered if she would run up to the high Bb, and sure enough she did, but then took the starch out of it with the even higher unscored graces. I just don't think she's quite within the style -- there's a lot of room for playing in the da capo, but this isn't doing the work or herself the very best favors. Not bad -- exciting, even -- just not on target.
manthasagittarius 1 year ago
re-glottal attack seizure on the vocal chords-ce greeeeetly
yeah oh
her colouratura is not graceful in the least
her voice if far too dark for this
DragWithNoPenis 1 year ago
Excellent Orchestra and Excellent Singing (vibrato a little overdone
she looks kinda drunk at 0:45
willwei98 1 year ago
has anyone else noticed the flawless orchestra? well done to them!!!! :)
bleh2you 1 year ago 20
The Early Music folk draw a line. They hold fast. Here we have A=410. Fine. I sing primarily Mozart -Stravinsky. But I was married for years to an fine sackbut player. Look, Haendel wrote this for boy sopranos, but we've embraced the sop.& mezzo parts for women since. Women sing like women. I foresee no truce in the vibrato vs straight tone fight. Forget it. Argue concert pitch or something.
-Love,
A grumpy lyric soprano
GoshGus 1 year ago 2
if you listen carefully you notice that instead of singing the "o" of rejoyce she say "a" because its much more ease to sing that way... not the best performance of this aria
Hipno33 1 year ago
@Hipno33 ~ A proper "O" vowel is an "AH" with rounded lips. The tongue & jaw in same relaxed state. "O" must modify to more AH thru the passagio upward. Her ornaments are flawless. But we all have warts. She goes for it. I like it.
GoshGus 1 year ago
yes she can sing anything....that doesnt mean she should.
MrCtblade 1 year ago 2
she can sing all music, e.g Anna Netrebko is not able to sing this!
Renee is very good.:)
PukKoleszka 1 year ago
i love this woman but she could have did better on them runs ur still the greatest boo
tjbritt13 1 year ago
this is not what renee fleming must sing. this is not a good performance from her! orchestra good job!
OfficialJustTube 1 year ago
she is a goddess! unparalleled control and inflection. and she makes it look so effortless. her approach to each phrase and note is truly a remarkable example of finesse and grace. my god she is gorgeous!!
davidirvingcpa 1 year ago 2
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he [is] just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass."
- Zechariah 9:9
Beautiful.
swood33 1 year ago
belcanto is not canto lirico
EPJM1750 1 year ago
I like Lynn Dawson's voice better, they are both angelic, but I prefer the fine tune control of Lynn Dawson for this piece.
SALLYBALD 1 year ago
I do love Renee, but I'm not sure she sounds her best on these runs..
dreamcritic 1 year ago 8
@dreamcritic Agreed. I kind of sounds like she is swallowing the cadenzas. Not her best.
RavenSiren 2 months ago
@pas2tall4u
I think she has my friend. Even the editors of the "Watkins-Shaw" edition provide only "suggestions" for ornamentation. What a bore Baroque would be if you only performed what was written. For that matter - you better chide the Harpsichordist as well - he seems to be "taking some liberty" with Msr. Handel's score. Wait a minute - is any of this Handel's to mess with - didn't he steal most of his melodies? I guess you were absent that day! Cheers-CMJ
kingofprussia33 1 year ago
This is without doubt (in my humble opinion) one of the most visionary performances of this Messiah aria I have ever heard. Renee Fleming is outstanding. To the critics, I would urge a careful study of performance practice. Her ornamentation is flawless. Bravo.
kingofprussia33 1 year ago
i dont even understand how such a godly sound comes out of one's mouth that way....it looks soo effortless..wow.
Thealoo3 1 year ago
Yes, SerenaLuce! Cencic is also a big voice for the baroque of Handel. Fleming is more to sing in Giant Stadium of the National Football League of USA!
enrom55 1 year ago
@enrom55 I agree. Still she is not a bad singer. Just not "my" voice. But people mentioned here Fleming's Song to the moon from Rusalka. In my opinion it's nothing in comparison with Netrebko's version! Brava Anna!
serenaluce 1 year ago
She is a beautiful woman and overall not a bad singer! But is it really Handel she is singing here? It's not even quasi classical style like Sara Brightman's! It's a somewhat pop concert performance! This awful "greatly" e.g. on 1.00! Her embelishment in the third part is impossible to listen! Sutherland and Auger sing it so beautifully! But if people were not prejudiced against countertenors they'd hear that the best version is CENCIC's!
serenaluce 1 year ago
In spite of the level of excellence of Renée Fleming, I do not like either his voice or his diction nor his vibrato. I love the voice of Lynne Dawson!
enrom55 1 year ago
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EsJoseZC 1 year ago
Thank you! This is the first thing that I listen on a newly installed computer . I like to listen to it every day! I know nothing about music, but I even like to try to sing it. When I sing it it's MY rendition!! Bless Handel's heart!
DavidEberhardt 1 year ago
uhmmöchte ja nicht rum nervern aber bin total einsam wer hat lust zu schreibn
JaddahRoberts 1 year ago
The ornamentation in Baroque music is optional at the conductor's pleasure(first) and with his/her permission, then the singer's. The problem is that we have become all to used to Ms.Fleming taking untoward liberties with music with little regard for the composer's intent, so it has become offensive to some ears even when allowed. I have no problem with her here, but let her tackle "Manon" and I can't deal with her...
suzanneetmoi 1 year ago
Comment removed
phillipgaley 1 year ago
@phillipgaley Correction well taken, but please, if you're going to take me to task, please note the errors in your own post.
suzanneetmoi 1 year ago
@suzanneetmoi M-m-m, . . . thankyou, . . .
phillipgaley 1 year ago
Actually, Kathleen Battle has muscle tension, so regardless of how she sounds, her technique is not flawless.
jaylave1 1 year ago
is there anything she can't sing? her cadenza near the end of the song is amazing.
hutchy1456 1 year ago
Great singing, but her face doesn't seems to be so rejoiced! =( That is half of the game for me as a singer...... but I do respect her.
rayuuhumizuki 2 years ago
@rayuuhumizuki Agree.
littlebrabbel 1 year ago
Renee should respect this music and sing it as it was written. Without great artists and composers like Handel she would have no career. Yes, I am a Handel "purist." Considering he had a vision from God when he wrote this music, we shouldn't mess with it! Happy Birthday in heaven, Mr. Handel!!
jaybeeinbigd 2 years ago
How in the world is this exceptional world-renowned classically trained soprano NOT respecting the music??
Handel would rejoice that this angelic voice raised his music to the heavens from her heart and from her voice.
MaidenMiyazaki 2 years ago 23
@MaidenMiyazaki you are not a good judge of classical music if you don't like Renee Fleming.
bennywaitus 3 months ago
is this not a practice in baroque time?
tlww 1 year ago
The voice is relaxed, high and she follows the crescendos & descrescendos. She moves with the gaiety of the song. Kathleen is good. She mastered the piece and lashes when hitting those high & low notes.
AmosSDavies 2 years ago
Bravo!. Bravo!.
Elcondekolinkoff 2 years ago
veru beauty the high note......it s really beautyy and i love her hair
zasesdea 2 years ago 3
She is such an inspiration! I can say from experience, this is NOT the easiest song to sing~ and she does it with such expression and grace! :) I'm about to sing this for a concert in Seal Beach, and most of my inspiration comes from her~ I think she sings this the best that I've heard!
chrissietinamaria 2 years ago 2
Her singing voice reminds me of Dame Kire ka nawa the New Zealander that sung for royallty. Ive accompanied a singer to this movement and it's not as easy as it's sounds.
lustful2 2 years ago 2
sie sollte Verdi und Tschaikovski singen
cillsayshello 2 years ago
Kathleen Battle owns this girl..and is a real Soprano.
flamengishta 2 years ago
Kathleen Battle was a diva nutcase and paid for it with her career. Questions?
wshutes 2 years ago
@flamengishta Kathleen Battle was a pompous second rate soprano compared to Renee.
tenor220 2 years ago 2
They're both wonderful in their own rep. I love Renee, but Battle owns this rep, regardless of what people might think of her as a person. There is no comparison--Battle's coloratura is far superior, though she could never dream of touching Renee's song to the moon or Susannah:)
marcysoprano 2 years ago
Renee's Song to the moon never fails to amaze me (= She has a beautiful high B
tenor220 2 years ago
I agree even though i am a huge fleming fan... This is Battels forte
blckglam 2 years ago
This is Incredible.......i mean, can you see those pitches, its just beautiful. Bravo Gurl.......
kayciousalto 2 years ago
I did not really enjoy this version, Sylvia McNair does it in a different way! Check it out
jmvbach 2 years ago
Am I the only one who just wants her to get rid of all the histrionics and just let go of that gorgeous instrument and SING?!
manidonno10 2 years ago 2
im with you!!!! I was here wondering if somehow i was listening to a different recording form everybody else. this was not incredible. it was bad- the melodrama, the unnecessary turns and thrills, the butchering, aghhhh!!!!
Come on Renee. Lets get Handel right.
lorin80 2 years ago
eww!!! whats with the wobbling its awful!!! i dont hear any notes just wobbling terrible ugh!!!
immature0916 2 years ago
I have read some negative commets below. It must be said that not everyone is going to "love" same singer. For example, a lot of people just Maria Callas where I don't. But I don't dimish her skill or training or dedication to what she loves. I keep those nasty comments to myself. Renee Fleming has a gorgeous voice, and unfaliing work ethic and is one of the greatest soprono's of our time. Likening her to a farm animal is not a sufficient critique
kaleonani77 2 years ago 47
Well said!!! Thank you for saying that!!!
nostopsnopurgatory 2 years ago
@kaleonani77 I agree competely. Music is a very personal thing, Not everyone likes the same things. I have always been a big fan of Kiri te Kanawa. There is something about her voice that just touches me. There is also a difference in jsut listening to someone sing or watching them perform. Some singer are just not great performers. Kathleen Battle being a good example in my opinion. Great voice, wonderful technique but her performances tend to be not on the same level as her singing.
RabbiF 1 year ago
@kaleonani77 well said! i just hate the comments i read
Milylily4Ever 1 year ago
Thse issue with Fleming is much the same as the issue with singers from Joan Sutherland to Juan Diego Florez. All are beautifully presented onstage with a beautiful voice and dubw technique, None represents the highest level of interpreting either the poetry or the musical phrasing. This never stopped Suttherland or Florez from rising to the top of the tree , because they, as well as Renee, are delightful people and welcome professionals who glorify their professsion as people.
Arrow
bestmaster3 1 year ago
@bestmaster3 Who are you to say Renee Fleming is not "particularly musical"?
1AdrianR 1 year ago
@1AdrianR I was onstage many years ago with such "musical" sopanos as Birgit Nilsson, Monserrat Caballe and Joan Sutherland.
bestmaster3 1 year ago
The Fleming issue is the same issue as many have with Juan Diego de Florez and had with Dame Joan Sutherland. Delightful people who represented at all times advocates for their profession, all having beautiful voices and fine techniques as well as looking good onstage. Their common shortfall, which stopped none from rising to the top of the tree, is that they simply are neither particularly musical nor particularly poetic in classical music, so that their interpretations seem unusual.
bestmaster3 1 year ago
Beautiful! I love Lynne Dawson's version of this song also. :)
choirfreak26 2 years ago 3
Gold Voice!!
mariamna7 2 years ago 5
absolutely beautiful
tenorlovesasoprano 2 years ago 3
Não sei... Faltou alguma coisa...
Não combinou com sua voz.
maxorff 2 years ago
bingo!
nrwy1988 2 years ago
i think in baroque music you're sort of supposed to show off and ornament anyway. that's what they did, right? virtuosity = order of the day. etc.
of course the song has enough complicated stuff in it anyway. but still.
mynameisnotcommon 2 years ago 3
Umm...shes renee flemming, she can do whatever she wants...and she can ornament all she wants, it was just tasteful in this.
nrwy1988 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Oooohhh, look at me. I'm Renee Fleming and I can get away with horribly inappropriate ornaments. Stick to the Countess, Rusalka, and the Marschallin sweetie!
DivoLaurent 2 years ago
Inappropriate?! I think they are fine. I was told once by one of the greatest singers of the 20th century "ornament the piece the way YOU want to do it." She's doing in the way she wants to...and she has earned the right to do it that way.
baritonebynight 2 years ago 3
I thought it was sung beautifully, but it was too bad that Fleming looked so vacant.
lakeshoretony 2 years ago
THANK YOU. I feel like even when she knows she's being vacant (in other performances as well) she closes her eyes as if that will change her sound. She has a great voice- DUH- but I also hear the vacancy, which is so sad because she's so talented!
saijy 2 years ago
Sheese ... the could the orchestra have chosen a faster tempo. Yikes ... too fast, too fast. What is it with directors who don't take lyrics into account.
GwenPippin 2 years ago
indeed, particularly since the baroque period is when the lyric really started to be linked to the music. "doctrine of the affections" and all that...
tiernan87 2 years ago
Her muddy tone is just not suitable for this repertoire. And the dragging tempo in the middle section is so wrong, She should stick to the things that suit her voice and not think that she can sing everything
chueca 2 years ago
she is very good singer....ans she is very tunig....listen the orchestra and then listen her...the harmony is correct.....she is good
zasesdea 2 years ago
Sing!
jaibright 2 years ago
Depending on the school of training, trills can be produced by intentionally widening the vibrato. It is very common, in the Baroque style, to add ornaments that aren't necessarily in the Schirmer score. HAHA I love how people on here are such goldenrod purists. BUT IT DOESN'T SAY THAT IN MY SCORE! Give me a break. This is an incredibly difficult piece to sing, and seeing as how she doesn't have the most flexible voice in the world, I thought she did quite well by her standards.
xpt20x 2 years ago
in my left headphone i can hear a very very faint voice which doesn't match the singing.
violadude2 2 years ago 2
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materialmyra 2 years ago
I think I would be convinced that, if you can fight through all that vibrato, she was a fabulous singer. But then she has to say "greatly" like she was playing Bellatrix Lestrange. Even so, you can tell she could nail her intonation if it weren't drowned in vibrato - that's not something you can say for most.
ahern112 2 years ago
What the hell is she wearing? She looks like she was mugged right before she went on.
gtimny 2 years ago 2
And then someone threw a starfish at her.
GrumpyOldTroll 2 years ago
Very true... Not one of her shining moments
katiedid1393 2 years ago
She wasn't off, that was just a suspension at 2:38--an ornament.
pookilovescuddles 2 years ago
Well I was following along in my score and it's written as a solid G there. Not an A going down to a G. Not that it sounds conspicuously wrong or anything ... but I don't see it written as a suspension.
singer7308 2 years ago
Most ornaments are not written in. In this style of music it is common, and expected, that singer add in ornamentation.
pookilovescuddles 2 years ago
the mere fact that you're following along in your score and expecting it to be exactly the same shows very clearly that you are not a singer. don't bother to comment if you're going to be a note nazi
tenor220 2 years ago
Actually I am a singer, but I wasn't trying to "critique" her. I was just saying that it might be a chosen vocal ornament, but it's not a written one. Just stating a fact. Didn't mean to cause a whole controversy. I deeply apologize if I have offended.
singer7308 2 years ago
you're arguing over the "written" ornaments? which version are you using then? handel alone wrote like, what three? and in the watkins shaw score (the definitive, and most commonly used) there are MANY alternative ornaments. and besides, whatever miss fleming wants to do to showcase her technique will fly with me. besides, that's pretty much standard performance practice for the period....
tiernan87 2 years ago 5
Eh. A bit shrieky.
JCMarra 2 years ago
2:38... she was off for a milli-second, and you can tell she knew it man, but she subtly covered it up by closing her eyes and moving on.
rootedinfaith3 2 years ago
The sound on this video is funky.
asdfopera 2 years ago
Sound only comes from my left speaker for this one.. hmm..
1000hpHONDA 2 years ago
Lol it's not just you.
rootedinfaith3 2 years ago
She can be my future ex-wife anytime!!!!!!
floydrharper 2 years ago
Hahahahah!!
MauriceFlower 2 years ago
Great performance, but wtf is with that starfish on her dress? lol I love her though.
bljoy126 2 years ago
Damrau is better.....she doesn't look rejoiced, she looks worried and spaced out...
flouraki 3 years ago
Renee is fantastic, I can't wait to see her perform live at Roy Thomson Hall!
buffiexoh 3 years ago
Love my Renee, but this is not her best work...
OperaLover84 3 years ago
Love my Renee, period.
damienvargas 3 years ago
Sinceramente, não gostei! Não combina com a voz dela mas eu não faria melhor. Parabéns!
nininhajackie 3 years ago
ok guys.! Just rejoice! and be happy!!!Even if world is falling down. If after all mundial crisis you have energy to make negatives comments...you become crazy
oboistCONDUCTOR 3 years ago
So beautiful and virtuoso
oboistCONDUCTOR 3 years ago
0:44 > 0:50 hahah that cracked me up, fail
jackkjack 3 years ago
jackjack:That' s the point baby! ...It's not as easy as sounds.Only talent and work well balanced hehehehe
oboistCONDUCTOR 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Wonderful!!!
She sings Haendel so perfect!!!
maestrogil 3 years ago
I agree, but I think we're alone.
tallswede68 3 years ago 2
This is a DIVA at it's finest! If you've sung Rejoice, you know!
jcwil56 3 years ago 2
I like so much her.This tempo is amazingly good. Easier for orchestra but not for one only person.
oboistCONDUCTOR 3 years ago
Overall, an excellent performance. Considering the location, the audio tech did a great job handling the backsplash of sound. The conductor did NOT look worried; he's merely concentrating on a this difficult piece. I CAN sing this aria: I've done it for over 25 years - twice for TV - and am always scoping out others' interpretations to add to mine, or drop those that don't come off as well. Personally, I sing this somewhat slower to get the color out of those runs, but each to their own :)
TheInsightful1 3 years ago 2
Overall, an excellent performance. Considering the location, the audio tech did a great job handling the backsplash of sound. The conductor did NOT look worried; he's merely concentrating on a this difficult piece. I CAN sing this aria: I've done it for over 25 years - twice for TV - and am always scoping out others' interpretations to add to mine, or drop those that don't come off as well. Personally, I sing this somewhat slower to get the color out of those runs, but each to their own :)
TheInsightful1 3 years ago
I love Rene but I don't think that she's on the top of her game here. It's not even as though she can't do early music either, she had a great Handel album!
Her colratura is good but it sounds more like belcanto sometimes then baroque.
A great performance, but not up to her standards. She can do much much better. I think though that there must have been some bad direction behind the scenes here that is to blame. I'd love to hear her do this again on her own terms.
ydracomagusy 3 years ago 3
Objectively speaking folks, I don't think this cuts it. Even the conductor looks worried in some parts. Her sound is rich and powerful, and the coloratura shrills are good though. This aria is not meant for a mezzo. What was she thinking? There are also some major tempo/rhythm problems which are shocking for someone of her caliber. Don't beat me up folks--just expressing my opinion!
classyteacherdiva 3 years ago
she's a lyric soprano you dolt, not a mezzo.
tenor220 3 years ago
I am whatever you mamma is. Take that Mr. tenor220. If you think I'm totally off base with her performance, you might care to read the other dismal assessments of this performance as well. Aren't you told old for name calling? That shows how mature you are!
classyteacherdiva 3 years ago