Renée Fleming, the renowned American soprano, invites you into the sacred realm with her album "Sacred Songs." Released on January 1, 2005, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this collection is a testament to Fleming's extraordinary vocal prowess and her deep connection to classical and operatic traditions. Spanning a little over an hour, the album is a journey through timeless pieces that resonate with spiritual depth and artistic brilliance.
The tracklist is a carefully curated selection of sacred music, featuring works by composers such as Bach, Mozart, Handel, and Schubert. From the serene beauty of "Ave Maria" to the triumphant "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion" from Handel's "Messiah," each piece is performed with Fleming's signature elegance and emotional resonance. The album also includes arrangements by Chris Hazell, adding a unique touch to familiar classics like "Jesu bleibet meine Freude" from Bach's Cantata BWV 147 and "Panis angelicus."
Fleming's voice, known for its clarity and expressive power, shines through in both solo pieces and choral works. The album opens with the hauntingly beautiful "Ave Maria" and closes with the comforting familiarities of "Silent Night," creating a full circle of sacred music that spans various traditions and eras. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Sacred Songs" offers a profound and enriching listening experience.
Ave Maria, CG 89aCharles Gounod, Renée Fleming, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, Cantata BWV 147: Chorale: "Jesu bleibet meine Freude" (Arr. Chris Hazell)Johann Sebastian Bach, Renée Fleming, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
Dank sei dir, HerrSiegfried Ochs, George Frideric Handel, Renée Fleming, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
Ave Maria, D. 839Franz Schubert, Renée Fleming, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
Mass in C Minor, K. 427 "Grosse Messe": Laudamus teWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Renée Fleming, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
Panis angelicus (Arr. Chris Hazell)César Franck, Renée Fleming, London Voices, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 1: He shall feed his FlockGeorge Frideric Handel, Renée Fleming, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
Mass: Simple SongLeonard Bernstein, Renée Fleming, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
Requiem, Op. 48: Pie JesuGabriel Fauré, Renée Fleming, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
Gloria: Domine DeusFrancis Poulenc, Renée Fleming, London Voices, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
Vesperae solennes de confessore, K. 339: Laudate DominumWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Renée Fleming, London Voices, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 1: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of ZionGeorge Frideric Handel, Renée Fleming, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
Hänsel und Gretel / Act 2: Abends will ich schlafen gehnEngelbert Humperdinck, Renée Fleming, Susan Graham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
L'enfance du Christ, H 130 - Arr. Chris Hazell: L'adieu des bergersHector Berlioz, Renée Fleming, London Voices, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
Mariä Wiegenlied, Op. 76/52Max Reger, Renée Fleming, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs
Amazing GraceTraditional, Renée Fleming, Mark O'Connor
Silent NightFranz Xaver Gruber, Renée Fleming, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Andreas Delfs