Title : Bel Canto
Author : Vincenzo Bellini
Release Date : 20020827
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $16.98
Amazon.com Price : $12.95
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Editorial Reviews : Surely Renée Fleming's soprano must be one of the most beautiful voices before the public today. Though renowned for her interpretations of Mozart, Strauss, and Verdi, as well as for her commitment to contemporary music, she says that the 'bel canto' repertoire has always been central to her career. On this recording, which features scenes and arias from operas by Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini, she proves that she has achieved total, effortless technical mastery of the uniquely difficult vocal writing characteristic of the style. Every note is perfectly placed. Her runs, including scales over a huge range in both directions, are as clear and evenly paced as a chain of exquisite pearls. Her leaps always land in the center of the pitch. Her intonation is flawless. Fleming also displays her emotional affinity for the drama, pathos, and lyricism of the music and her ability to identify with her larger-than-life heroines. Chosen from familiar and unfamiliar operas, the music is beguilingly beautiful, ranging from peacefully pastoral to darkly menacing. However, some listeners may feel that Fleming's tendency to overinflect, overphrase, make long pauses, and put swells on long notes, especially in the slow arias, undercuts the music's simplicity and the directness of her expressive communication. The performances are based on the latest scholarly research into the 'bel canto' style regarding historically correct ornamentation (only in repeats) and the problems of balancing textual fidelity with imaginative freedom. The Orchestra of St. Luke's gives splendid support, with outstanding solos, especially from the winds.
Buyer Reviews : I purchased this CD early when it was released in France in June, and it has become my absolute favorite Renee Fleming CD, as well as my favorite CD of any soprano...period. This recording captures the essence of what has made Fleming the singer of the ages that she is...stunning breath control, a super-smooth, creamy tone, an amazing vocal range, and the unmatched ability to mold and shape phrases effortlessly. Some complain about her vocal 'mannerisms,' but I call it intelligent personality. In any case, such 'mannerisms' have never been more tastefully done as in this recording, and I believe that all will agree what a historic accomplishment it is. With this CD, Renee Fleming has truly brought herself to the next level of opera singing, if that's even possible, to truly be among the greats...Tebaldi, Callas, Caballe. After so long of darkness, she has revived the light that is 'Bel Canto.' In general, Renee Fleming is probably one of the most technically sound singers of all time. No one currently can match her ability to control the voice as assuredly as she does, however she wants to do so. I respect the risk that she takes in inputting various 'interpretations' into the music: this shows guts and brilliance, whether one agrees with her interpretation or not. Regardless, she remains a singer of phenomenal gifts, and we must come to appreciate the blessings of her existence during our lifetimes, as a singer of her caliber only comes around once in a lifetime. Here is a brief review of each scene:
La Sonnambula: Fleming's singing here is nearly flawless, ranks among the best Sonnambulas that I've ever heard live or on CD. Her intonation is perfect, her diction amazing, her ability to color her tone with both sadness, joy, and life: simply breathtaking. Listen to her refrain of 'Ah! non credea, Ah! non credea'...the belllike clarity and passion at which she emits 'Ah!' is one for the gods. Every note fits into place, and is colored appropriately. Simply stunning! I also particularly like her return to Bellini's original version of 'Ah! non giunge' versus the souped-up version that we hear too often. She is true to the composer in only adding ornamentation the second time around. In one word: brilliant.
Maria Padilla: A rare opera to be heard, and Fleming delivers an exquisite rendition. In the tricky cabaletta section, Fleming handles it with exceptional abandon. High C's placed and colored perfectly, pyrotechnic trills, and almost flawless two octave runs in succession...is this humanly possible?
Semiramide: Fleming, once again true to her form. Simply must be heard to be believed. I run out of adjectives to describe how wonderful her singing is! She does add some 'jazzy' ornamentations that may beget some criticism, but overall, a very technically brilliant rendition.
Pirata: Now THIS is the Pirata that we've been hoping to hear. After her questionable concert in Paris, in which some say she overdid herself with swooping tones and over-the-top emotion, here she delivers a thoughtful and balanced rendition...with serenity where serenity is necessary, and incessantly energetic passion in the final minutes. Makes one look forward to her production with the Met later this year.
Armida: The opera that made her famous, and she shows us why in this recording. So demanding is this opera, but so wonderfully does Fleming deliver that one can truly reject the notion that this role is unsingable...not to Callas and now Fleming, that is!
Lucrezia Borgia: She nails every note, hitting a high-G, a few high-Cs, and an explosive high-e flat held for five seconds at the end. What a way to finish off more than a hour of sheer divinity.
As you can tell, this CD is a must have for everyone: Renee Fleming lovers, opera lovers, music lovers, and lovers of things amazing and beautiful in this world. 5-stars is simply not a high enough rating.
