Experience the enchanting vocal prowess of Renée Fleming in her 2003 album, "By Request." This captivating collection showcases some of the most beloved arias and songs that highlight Fleming's extraordinary range and artistic sensitivity. From the tender "O mio babbino caro" from Puccini's "Gianni Schicchi" to the dramatic "Casta Diva" from Bellini's "Norma," each track is a testament to Fleming's ability to bring depth and nuance to every performance.
The album spans a variety of operas and classical pieces, including works by Mozart, Verdi, and Dvořák, offering a rich tapestry of musical styles and eras. Standout tracks like "Un bel dì vedremo" from "Madama Butterfly" and "Ah, je veux vivre" from Gounod's "Roméo et Juliette" demonstrate Fleming's versatility and emotional resonance. The inclusion of lesser-known gems such as "Glück, das mir verblieb" from Korngold's "Die tote Stadt" and "O Silver Moon" from Dvořák's "Rusalka" adds a layer of depth and discovery.
"By Request" is not just a compilation of arias; it is a celebration of Renée Fleming's artistry and her ability to connect with audiences through her powerful and expressive voice. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a casual fan of classical music, this album offers a delightful journey through some of the most beautiful and enduring works in the operatic repertoire. With a duration of just under 1 hour and 20 minutes, it is a perfect introduction to the world of opera or a cherished addition to any classical music collection.
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