Bel Canto

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About the Album

In this album Renée Fleming performs scenes and arias from operas by Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini.

Surely Renée Fleming's soprano must be one of the most beautiful voices before the public today. Though renowned for her interpretations of Mozart, Strauss, and Verdi, as well as for her commitment to contemporary music, she says that the bel canto repertoire has always been central to her career. On this recording, which features scenes and arias from operas by Bellini, Donizetti, and Rossini, she proves that she has achieved total, effortless technical mastery of the uniquely difficult vocal writing characteristic of the style. Every note is perfectly placed. Her runs, including scales over a huge range in both directions, are as clear and evenly paced as a chain of exquisite pearls. Her leaps always land in the center of the pitch. Her intonation is flawless.

Edith Eisler

Track List

  1. Bellini: La Sonnambula / Act 2 - Oh! Se una volta sola 6:13
  2. Bellini: La Sonnambula / Act 2 - Ah, non credea mirarti 6:36
  3. Bellini: La Sonnambula / Act 2 - Ah, non giunge uman pensiero 3:36
  4. Donizetti: Maria Padilla: Act 1 - Abbraciami 3:24
  5. Donizetti: Maria Padilla: Act 1 - Il più tenero suon d'arpa 2:46
  6. Donizetti: Maria Padilla: Act 1 - Ah non sai qual prestigio si cela... 4:19
  7. Rossini: Semiramide / Act 1 - Introduzione 2:03
  8. Rossini: Semiramide / Act 1 - Bel raggio lusinghier 3:28
  9. Rossini: Semiramide / Act 1 - Dolce pensiero di quell'istante... 3:04
  10. Bellini: Il pirata / Act 2 - Introduzione 4:18
  11. Bellini: Il pirata / Act 2 - Oh, s'io potessi dissipar le nubi 5:12
  12. Bellini: Il pirata / Act 2 - Col sorriso d'innocenza 5:49
  13. Bellini: Il pirata / Act 2 - Oh! Sole! ti vela di tenebre oscure 3:18
  14. Rossini: Armida / Act 2 - D'amor al dolce impero... 2:03
  15. Rossini: Armida / Act 2 - Gli augei tra fronde e fronde... 1:47
  16. Rossini: Armida / Act 2 - La fresca età sen fugge... 1:08
  17. Rossini: Armida / Act 2 - Ah! sì, godete... 1:43
  18. Donizetti: Lucrezia Borgia / Act 2 - M'odi, ah m'odi, io non imploro... 3:17
  19. Donizetti: Lucrezia Borgia / Act 2 - Figlio, figlio! Ola, qualcuno! 2:12
  20. Donizetti: Lucrezia Borgia / Act 2 - Era desso il figlio mio 5:23

Recording info

Release Date: August 27, 2002
Label: Decca
CD / Download: 1
ASIN: B00006589U