Renée Fleming, one of the most celebrated sopranos of our time, invites you into her world with "By Request." Released in 2003 under Decca Music Group Ltd., this album is a captivating journey through the realm of opera and classical music, showcasing Fleming's extraordinary vocal prowess and emotional depth. Spanning a little over an hour and eighteen minutes, the album is a carefully curated collection of some of the most beloved arias and songs from the operatic repertoire.
From the tender pleading of "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's "Gianni Schicchi" to the dramatic intensity of "Casta Diva" from Bellini's "Norma," Fleming's performances are nothing short of breathtaking. She navigates the intricate melodies of "Porgi amor" from Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro" with grace and precision, and her rendition of "Un bel dì vedremo" from Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" is a poignant testament to her ability to convey deep emotion through her voice.
The album also features a selection of art songs, including Schubert's "Gretchen am Spinnrade," Fauré's "Après un rêve," and Korngold's "Mariettalied" from "Die tote Stadt." These pieces showcase Fleming's versatility and her ability to connect with the listener on a deeply personal level.
"By Request" is not just a collection of songs; it's a testament to Renée Fleming's artistry and her ability to bring the most beloved pieces of classical and operatic music to life. Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to leave you enchanted and inspired.
Gianni Schicchi: "O mio babbino caro" [Gianni Schicchi]Giacomo Puccini, Renée Fleming, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
La Wally, Act I: Ebben? Ne andrò lontana [La Wally, Drama lirica in quattro atti]Alfredo Catalani, Renée Fleming, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492 / Act 2: "Porgi amor" [Le nozze di Figaro, K.492]Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Renée Fleming, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Così fan tutte / Act 1: "Come scoglio" [Così fan tutte ossia La scuola degli amanti, K.588] - Applause omitted at endWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Renée Fleming, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Sir Georg Solti
Norma / Act 1: Casta Diva [Norma]Vincenzo Bellini, Renée Fleming, London Voices, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
La traviata - original version / Act 1: Ah, fors'è lui...Sempre libera [La traviata]Giuseppe Verdi, Renée Fleming, Joseph Calleja, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Madama Butterfly, SC 74, Act II: Un bel dì vedremo [Madama Butterfly]Giacomo Puccini, Renée Fleming, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Gretchen am Spinnrade, D. 118Franz Schubert, Renée Fleming, Christoph Eschenbach
Après un rêveGabriel Fauré, Renée Fleming, Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Faust / Act 3: Air des bijoux (Jewel song) [Faust]Charles Gounod, Renée Fleming, English Chamber Orchestra, Jeffrey Tate
Manon / Act 3: Je marche sur les chemins...Obéissons quand leur voix appelle) [Manon]Jules Massenet, Renée Fleming, English Chamber Orchestra, Jeffrey Tate
Roméo et Juliette, CG 9, Act I: "Ah, je veux vivre" [Roméo et Juliette]Charles Gounod, Renée Fleming, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Rusalka, Op. 114, Act I: O Silver Moon [Rusalka]Antonín Dvořák, Renée Fleming, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Caecilie, Op. 27, No. 2Richard Strauss, Renée Fleming, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Patrick Summers
Die tote Stadt, Act I: Glück, das mir verblieb (Mariettalied) [Die tote Stadt]Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Renée Fleming, English Chamber Orchestra, Jeffrey Tate