Renée Fleming, one of the most celebrated sopranos of our time, invites you into the enchanting world of bel canto with her 2002 album, "Bel Canto Scenes." This captivating collection showcases Fleming's extraordinary vocal prowess and artistry, featuring arias and scenes from operas by the masters of the bel canto style: Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini.
The album, released under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, spans a duration of 71 minutes and includes 20 exquisite tracks. Each piece is a testament to Fleming's ability to navigate the intricate and demanding repertoire of bel canto, characterized by its emphasis on beautiful, florid singing and expressive melodies.
Accompanied by the renowned Orchestra of St. Luke's and conducted by Patrick Summers, Fleming delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive. From the haunting beauty of "Oh! Se una volta sola" from Bellini's "La Sonnambula" to the dramatic intensity of "Era desso il figlio mio" from Donizetti's "Lucrezia Borgia," the album offers a rich tapestry of musical experiences.
"Bel Canto Scenes" is not just a showcase of Renée Fleming's vocal talents; it is a journey through some of the most beloved and challenging works in the operatic canon. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises to captivate and inspire. The meticulous attention to detail in both the performances and the production ensures an immersive and enjoyable listening experience.
La Sonnambula / Act 2: Oh! Se una volta solaVincenzo Bellini, Renée Fleming, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
La Sonnambula / Act 2: Ah, non credea mirartiVincenzo Bellini, Renée Fleming, Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
La Sonnambula / Act 2: Ah, non giunge uman pensieroVincenzo Bellini, Renée Fleming, Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Maria Padilla - opera in 3 Acts: AbbraciamiGaetano Donizetti, Renée Fleming, Kristine Jepson, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Maria Padilla - opera in 3 Acts: Il più tenero suon d'arpaGaetano Donizetti, Renée Fleming, Kristine Jepson, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Maria Padilla - opera in 3 Acts: Ah non sai qual prestigio si cela...Gaetano Donizetti, Renée Fleming, Kristine Jepson, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Semiramide / Act 1: IntroduzioneGioachino Rossini, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Semiramide / Act 1: Bel raggio lusinghierGioachino Rossini, Renée Fleming, Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Semiramide / Act 1: Dolce pensiero di quell'istante...Gioachino Rossini, Renée Fleming, Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Il pirata / Act 2: IntroduzioneVincenzo Bellini, Melanie Feld, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Il pirata / Act 2: Oh, s'io potessi dissipar le nubiVincenzo Bellini, Renée Fleming, Melanie Feld, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Il pirata / Act 2: Col sorriso d'innocenzaVincenzo Bellini, Renée Fleming, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Il pirata / Act 2: Oh! Sole! ti vela di tenebre oscureVincenzo Bellini, Renée Fleming, Melanie Feld, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Armida / Act 2: D'amor al dolce impero...Gioachino Rossini, Renée Fleming, Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Armida / Act 2: Gli augei tra fronde e fronde...Gioachino Rossini, Renée Fleming, Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Armida / Act 2: La fresca età sen fugge...Gioachino Rossini, Renée Fleming, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Armida / Act 2: Ah! sì, godete...Gioachino Rossini, Renée Fleming, Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Lucrezia Borgia / Act 2: M'odi, ah m'odi, io non imploro...Gaetano Donizetti, Renée Fleming, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Lucrezia Borgia / Act 2: Figlio, figlio! Ola, qualcuno!Gaetano Donizetti, Renée Fleming, Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Lucrezia Borgia / Act 2: Era desso il figlio mioGaetano Donizetti, Renée Fleming, Coro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers