Renée Fleming, one of the most beloved and versatile sopranos of our time, presents "Distant Light," an ambitious and captivating exploration of Scandinavian and American music. Released on January 6, 2017, via Decca Music Group Ltd., this 53-minute album showcases Fleming's extraordinary range and artistry, accompanied by the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Sakari Oramo.
"Distant Light" is a bold departure for Fleming, delving into the hypnotic world of Scandinavian music for the first time. The album features a daring mix of compositions, including the world premiere recording of Anders Hillborg's stark and glacial "The Strand Settings," which Fleming tackles with elegance and power. The album also includes Samuel Barber's "Knoxville: Summer of 1915," a perfect fit for Fleming's silvery, soaring soprano, as noted by Gulf News.
Fans of Renée Fleming will also find reimagined arrangements of Björk's songs, showcasing the stylistic overlap between experimental pop and postmodern classical. Richard Morrison of The Times praised the album for its "superbly reimagined arrangements" that highlight the shared elements between these genres.
The tracklist is a diverse collection of pieces that demonstrate Fleming's versatility and mastery. From the operatic "Knoxville: Summer of 1915" to the contemporary "Virus" and "Joga" by Björk, and the enchanting "All Is Full Of Love," the album is a testament to Fleming's ability to breathe new life into a wide range of musical styles.
"Distant Light" is not just an album; it's a journey through the rich tapestry of Renée Fleming's artistry, offering a unique blend of classical and contemporary sounds that will captivate both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
Vinylscout