Giacomo Puccini, Jules Massenet, Georges Bizet, Alfredo Catalani, Ruggero Leoncavallo, Francesco Cilea, Charles Gounod, Giuseppe Verdi, Vincenzo Bellini, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras, RenA©e Fleming, London Voices - RenA©e Fleming

Surely, Renée Fleming has one of the most beautiful voices to be heard anywhere today. It combines velvety warmth, creamy richness, soaring radiance, and flawless purity, and seems to flow out without effort, every tone impeccably centered and in tune, capable of almost too much variety of color and nuance. Fleming's breath control is incredible; she can spin out long, arching phrases and build up climaxes with thrilling intensity. The program of this recital displays Fleming's vocal and dramatic gifts to full advantage, and includes both familiar and lesser-known arias from Italian and French operas. Although some of these are not in her repertoire, she clearly feels close to them. The three opening Puccini favorites from Gianni Schicchi, Madama Butterfly, and La Bohème are a bit fussy and over-inflected, hardly suited to the characters' simplicity; but, from then on, Fleming seems completely at one with both her tragic and her lighthearted heroines. She captures their warm inwardness, rapture, passion, ecstasy, and desperation; darkening and lightening her voice at will. Her top notes soar gloriously, her trills laugh. The orchestra is splendid, supporting her all the way and sounding wonderful. --Edith Eisler Amazon.com essential recording

Glorious Renee

I just love Renee Fleming's voice. It reminds me so much of the fabulous Anna Moffo - my personal favorite since childhood. My mother played Anna Moffo records for me while I was a tiny bit in my crib. So try to reprogram oneself after hearing such loveliness in the universe. Both ladies have a creamy voice, elegant phrasing and classical beauty. I agree with the prior reviewer that every soprano should record "O mio babbino caro". And if Renee did not record it, well then we'd be missing her version.
The more that I listen to Renee's music or see her in recitals, the more I adore the lady. The standouts on this disc are "Casta diva", "Lo son l'umile ancella", "Je suis encor tout etourdie", and "Ah! Je veux vivre", "Signore ascolta", etc. March 28, 2007

One of Miss Fleming's absolute bests!

This is definitely one of my all-time favorite Renee Fleming albums if not THE favorite! Her voice totally shines in every single aria on here, and she seems can totally drag you into the world of each of the characters. What can I say? Ms. Fleming just never fails to impress me. Everything that she sings she seems to be able to bring something unique to it. May 9, 2006

An amazing cd and a great introduction into the world of opera

I recommend this cd for those who want to get into opera but don't know where to start. Fleming tackles a diverse range of styles and never disappoints. Her Un bel di vedremo ranks up there with the best sopranos and is the standout track for me. April 20, 2006

The New La Divina

Renee Fleming is the most sheerly beautiful voice in opera since Montserrat Caballe. Her Casta Diva is stunning, and the high note at the end of Merci jeune amies is pure virtuoso. I love her Puccini, Massenet and Verdi as well. Fleming said that she doesn't class herself amongst "the greats", but I do! November 22, 2005

Gorgeous

This album says soprano standard repertoire all over it, but Renee will knock your socks off with her interpretations of these standard hits. Although she doesn't sing much Puccini, her Puccini arias are to die for. Her "Un bel di vedremo" (Madama Butterfly) gives me chills everytime I hear it. Her French arias are also breathtakingly gorgeous. Micaela's aria is so warm and beautiful, as is Juliette's. This is a fabulous recording, and I recommend it to everyone. September 30, 2005

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