Renée Fleming - Night Songs
Jean-Yves Thibaudet & Renée Fleming
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| Total: 26 Songs |
Recent Customer Reviews
It Thrills and It Misses
by nrswansonNIGHT SONGS is one of those too rare recitals that is based on a theme, executed by musicians who are not only able to stand on their own but who are also able to commit to each other in a true collaboration. This is an intelligent, eloquent selection of songs by varied composers all of whom wrote languorously about the night and its mystery. From Faure's 'Apres un reve' to Debussy's 'Beau soir' through some newly discovered treasures by Joseph Marx like 'Nocturne' and 'Selige Nacht' to the better known repertoire of Strauss and Rachmaninov, Fleming and Thibaudet offer up a beautiful program that is a feast for the ears and the mind. Overall Fleming and Thibaudet are in fine form and the communication in the various languages is strong. Thibaudet plays with a sensitive, emotional touch and was a wonderful choice as a pianist on this album. Fleming is a fantastic singer with a beautiful voice, which is displayed on this recording. However, not all of the program was the perfect vehicle for her. Her vocal quality is a little too heavy for the French repertoire which prevents the subtlety and flavor of the French literature to emerge in its best form. (with the exception of Beau Soir which I fealt suited Flemings rich velvet voice) Also her diction is sometimes unclear. On the other hand, Thibaudet, with his elegant and precise approach is right at home in the French repertoire. When it comes to the German and Russian lieder, though, Fleming and Thibaudet both shine. They perform a mix of familiar and rare germen lieder a Russian songs by R. Strauss, Marx, and Rochmaninov. In the germen set, they give a wonderful rendition of Cacilie by Strauss. Fleming sounds particularly lovely on "Pierrot Dandy", which will send chills up and down your spine because of the way she masterfully handles the large vocal leaps. In the Russian section I am particularly fond of their renditions of Rachmaninov’s "In the silence of the secret night" and "How fair this place" which are hauntingly beautiful and two of the more memorable songs on the album. By the time one hears Ms. Fleming's voice soaring passionately through "Ne Poy, Krasavitsa" at the CDs close, one sighs with contentment.
Well...
by operaguyI disagree with that opinion of the album. I think she puts her own touch on the songs, and in my opinion, French song ESPECIALLY needs to be sung with attention to its complexity. It may sound simple, but it has many levels, and I think she explores them quite well. French art songs are really hard to interpret, because it is very easy to overdo or underdo (is that a word?), and the perfect balance is minute and different for every voice. I think that she finds the balance. I don't like all the songs, but I respect her performance of them.
Personal Opinion
by DondalingerSadly this is not a good album and I don't really think it's a good buy. The French songs are painfully affected. If one isn't too familiar with French music, perhaps it won't stick out too badly, but I feel that the music has an innate simplicity to it that isn't getting expressed. At the opposite extreme, the Rachmoninoff songs here need more power and directness but ms Fleming seems to be sighing and whining throughout. There's too much ego and self-indulgence here and not enough satisfying singing.
Top Albums and Songs by Jean-Yves Thibaudet & Renée Fleming
- $11.99
- Genres: Classical, Music, Classical Crossover, Vocal, Vocal Pop, Opera, Opera
- Released: 2001
- ℗ 2001 Decca Music Group Limited
