Album DescriptionRenée Fleming, the world's preeminent lyric soprano, is joined by Christian Thielemann, internationally acclaimed for his performances of Strauss works, for this recording of the exquisitely beautiful Four Last Songs. These enduringly popular works have become signature pieces for the soprano and she was delighted for the opportunity to work with the gifted Thielemann. In addition, Fleming performs a selection of lieder with orchestra as well as arias from Ariadne auf Naxos and Die ägyptische Helena. Also available in a special, deluxe edition! In addition to the Strauss program, a second disc which highlights Fleming's signature roles at the Metropolitan Opera is included. These extended scenes are drawn from her highly-regarded Decca discography. On September 22, Fleming will open the Met Opera Season with a Gala featuring her in her most acclaimed roles. This one-night-only performance will be broadcast live in HD to movie theaters throughout the US.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss - Renee Fleming, soprano
This recording is sublime; Renee Flemings interpretation is outstanding and her German totally understandable. I've ripped this CD to my computer, downloaded to my MP3 player so I can listen as I'm Nordic walking and have a CD in my car!!!
Rating: - A powerful live recording
The combination of Renée Fleming and Christian Thielemann is unique. Their performance has peculiarities, and is hot and strong. It will make pros and cons, that is, divide the evaluation.
I found it is live, after I heard the audience cough when I was listening to this album.
Recorded April 2008.
Rating: - America's top soprano strutting her Strauss
Having heard Ms. Fleming singing 'the Last Four Songs' in live concert early last year, I am dying to hear her again in discography, and this album of Strauss including those four songs is indeed a most welcome offer.
Fleming has a voice of good range with beautiful hues in ALL registers. The lower register is dark, with a shimmering quality that sets it apart from other dark but monotonic ones (I would name no names, but discerning listeners would all know). Her upper register is ample and ... Read More
Rating: - Love Fleming, most of the time....
First of all, I think Renee Fleming's voice is one of the great wonders in the world of operatic voices. My first reaction to this recording was displeasure. I could not figure out what was upsetting me. Then I realized it was the sound of her voice and its lack of balance with the orchestra. Her sound is almost too 'bright', and does not blend with the orchestra. I do not know the German operatic literature like some of the other interesting reviewers, but I do know what I like in "The Last Four ... Read More
Rating: - Strauss singing at the highest level of achievement
It says something sad about the current state of opera recordings that Renee Fleming hasn't been given a complete Strauss role on disc beyond Daphne, not the Marschallin or Ariadne. As evidenced here, she is uniquely gifted to assume those roles, as well as to sing Strauss's orchestral songs. Compared to her 1995 version with Eschenbach (BMG), the new one marks a quantum leap in artistry. Fleming won a Guggenheim fellowship to study in Germany as a young singer, I believe, and her ability to find ... Read More
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- Four Last Songs by Richard Strauss - Renee Fleming, soprano
- A powerful live recording
- Love Fleming, most of the time....