This has got to be one of the most beautiful performances of one of the most beautiful American arias ever written. I feel so lucky to seen her portrayal of Susannah at The Met with Samuel Ramey as Blitch and Jerry Hadley (RIP) as "Little Bat". .. Truly, a night to remember.
The best American arias have a freeness about them that is simply marvelous when they are well sung, as here. American opera is vastly underrated IMHO.
This performance NEVER EVER gets old. This is what a true singing actress can do with a piece like this...sends me to a whole other level of the firmament when I hear her.
I'm English and I think that America has so many operatic gems! Many music people I know have never even heard of susannah, I think that it is such a shame as it is a gorgeous opera!
Stunning. I remember the first time I heard her sing this. I can't hold back the chills or the tears. That voice is proof enough for me that there is a God...and that He has got impeccable taste.
A fascinating American Opera aria and Fleming sings it with sublime commitment and vocal beauty. Her voice was at its richest, creamiest and most luscious shape!
Now, part 2 of our journey into opera. This is Susanah's song from Act 1. I played the part of oder Ott at the Mulebarn Theater in Tarkio, MO back in 1970.
@suzanneetmoi Right, I talked to my teacher about it. He doesn't know whether I'm going Lyric Mezzo or some sort of je ne sais quoi Soprano, in that I have high notes too. He said that it was too big too though so good advice! Thanks.
@illavynvelendril The top in this aria is too high for a lyric mezzo- don't confuse "color" of a voice with range. Ms.Fleming has a dark timbre to her voice, but she is not a mezzo, rather, a full lyric. And no one without years of good solid vocal training should ever attempt singing Susannah- and by that I mean at least grad school level, with a good voice teacher working with you. There are a lot of nice pieces within your range, so don't risk ruining your voice, please.
Ridiculous comment. It doesn't have to be a perfectly seamless lower passaggio in this aria. Susannah is a young, uncultured country girl - she's not the Marschallin or The Countess for goodness' sake.
I think Ms. Fleming thought that this was written by Wagner instead of Floyd.... incredible, powerful voice, and completely misses the actual music here.
This has got to be one of the most beautiful performances of one of the most beautiful American arias ever written. I feel so lucky to seen her portrayal of Susannah at The Met with Samuel Ramey as Blitch and Jerry Hadley (RIP) as "Little Bat". .. Truly, a night to remember.
Wasn’t that an epic production? I saw it, too. Two nights in a row!
I was curious about Hadley singing Little Bat. Opera news says Hadley sang Sam and John McVeigh sang Little Bat. I performed the role in college.
Opera news April 1999
The best American arias have a freeness about them that is simply marvelous when they are well sung, as here. American opera is vastly underrated IMHO.
This performance NEVER EVER gets old. This is what a true singing actress can do with a piece like this...sends me to a whole other level of the firmament when I hear her.
In college my best friend played Susannah and I played Little Bat. Two weeks ago she died at the age of 33. This aria will always mean so much to me!
She's more than an extraordinary voice. Her beautiful expressive face elevates every performance.
I'm English and I think that America has so many operatic gems! Many music people I know have never even heard of susannah, I think that it is such a shame as it is a gorgeous opera!
Stunning. I remember the first time I heard her sing this. I can't hold back the chills or the tears. That voice is proof enough for me that there is a God...and that He has got impeccable taste.
Who in the HELL are two people who didn't like this?! This is absolutely divine. A lesson in expressive singing and poetic intention. Bravissima.
unloved as children
Goodness gracious, what a stunning performance! RIP Carlisle Floyd.
A fascinating American Opera aria and Fleming sings it with sublime commitment and vocal beauty. Her voice was at its richest, creamiest and most luscious shape!
O my.....*tears*....thus is beautiful ...So much passion and expression and control
Crying..... every time I listen
Wauw... this is lovely... she has such a magnificent voice.
What an OUTSTANDING performance by Renee Fleming of a great and difficult scena!!! Thank you VERY much for sharing this with us!!!!!
I love this aria. It makes me always want to go home, back to East Tennessee. But the end of this aria is so sad. It makes me cry every time.
Exquisite. The dynamic range she displays-all perfectly executed-is unprecedented. ❤
Totally awesome! My daughter just had a private lesson with her at Eastman School.
What an artist. And, my! What a technique. Rare.
Absolutely gorgeous!
I just love her!
Renee Fleming is simply the greatest soprano in the world, if not the greatest female singer period.
Gorgeous. It always makes me tear up.
Ohhh. Simply glorious.
Thanks for posting!
Absolutely exquisite.
So gorgeous!
one of my favorite songs
What a gift
Now, part 2 of our journey into opera. This is Susanah's song from Act 1. I played the part of oder Ott at the Mulebarn Theater in Tarkio, MO back in 1970.
glorious.
Thinking of Carlisle Floyd born 6/11/1926.
Such an important document!
Wonderful rendition and impassioned conducting by a guy who looks like my old friend Steven Mercurio...? Bravi tutti grazie 🙏. SF.
Exquisite.
heaven
She's never sounded better to me. Perfectly grounded and full sound. I see what she meant about singing pregnant.
MARAVILLOSA
Wow.
@suzanneetmoi Right, I talked to my teacher about it. He doesn't know whether I'm going Lyric Mezzo or some sort of je ne sais quoi Soprano, in that I have high notes too. He said that it was too big too though so good advice! Thanks.
What year is this performance from?
Alexandra Chace 1998!
RIP Carlisle Floyd
What year is this?
Loismustdie26 1998!
@suzanneetmoi Thanks-- I appreciate the advice. :)
@illavynvelendril The top in this aria is too high for a lyric mezzo- don't confuse "color" of a voice with range. Ms.Fleming has a dark timbre to her voice, but she is not a mezzo, rather, a full lyric. And no one without years of good solid vocal training should ever attempt singing Susannah- and by that I mean at least grad school level, with a good voice teacher working with you. There are a lot of nice pieces within your range, so don't risk ruining your voice, please.
3:25
I'd like opinions please! Does anyone think a very young, fairly high mezzo soprano could plausibly sing this well??
Thanks!
Wonderful. But no one finds in this aria the colours that Caterina Di Tonno finds.
yes, glorious voice. Opening passages though---the lower primo passaggio- audible breaks - sounded like yodelling.
Ridiculous comment. It doesn't have to be a perfectly seamless lower passaggio in this aria. Susannah is a young, uncultured country girl - she's not the Marschallin or The Countess for goodness' sake.
I'm ready to hear you sing it now 😁
She is also using it to dramatic effect. Opera being drama and not just song.
Love Renee but her approve sounds too "old" for the young Susannah.
I think Ms. Fleming thought that this was written by Wagner instead of Floyd.... incredible, powerful voice, and completely misses the actual music here.
Incorrect.
Jesus, some of you Monday morning quarterbacks are unbelievable.