She got sensuality and cheekiness in these scenes with her wonderful voice. I saw her twice at Thaïs, both times in concert, but she shone just as well as on stage
Only The Met could do Thais justice. Stunning production, beautiful costumes, fantastic set and that is before the music; the singing and the divine violinist Meditation. Renee Fleming is gorgeous in this, out of this world. She always looks very Latvian to me with her blonde hair and those eyes like pools of clear water, like she is in Rusalka. Otherworldly goddess.
Moi qui suis fan de Renée Fleming, et de cet opéra, je reste sur ma faim. Trop frivole, pas assez dramatique... Manque cette tension irrationnelle et mystique qui traverse tout l'opéra ...
I’ve reserved comment, I have such partiality to her voice, beauty and acting! When I first saw her Desdemona televised I hadn’t heard or seen her before, but knew that I was witnessing a rare talent with extraordinary technique and rare acting ability as well as a beautiful woman! I feel privileged to have followed her career and have been able to see and hear this legend live on stage!
This production is fun and frivolous operatic entertainment, in that sense it does not disappoint. when I first saw this listed on the HD streaming menu, I thought, oh God, this is one of "those" productions, why couldn't they trust to their own costume dept. instead of capitalizing on the Lacroix name. The plot is fairly obvious from the beginning, especially Athanael's true amorous intentions immersed in self-denial, and I expected more from his singing but it was sufficient, although Hampson's acting was excellent. The designer(s) at Maison Lacroix did not disappoint, and neither did Fleming, she was in excellent voice; although her acting was somewhat erratic and not convincing enough at crucial moments of the plot, which by its very nature is an Olympic exercise in suspension of belief; although we understand that Thais is more likely driven to the Divine through despair rather than experiencing a truly spiritual revelation. Renée Fleming's overall performance is so compelling that you feel like Massenet composed this opera just for her.
Just think of all these seldomly performed operas she brought on the big stages : Thaïs, Armida, Capriccio, Rodelinda... I don't think the Met or Paris would have randomly staged these operas if it wasn't for her. She had a thing for choosing the roles that would perfectly fit vocally and for which she looked the part. And the curiosity to go beyond Countess Almaviva and Violetta Valery. An influential, smart legend!
This opera, like a lot of Massenet, is rarely performed. Renee made this a signature role for her because her voice is one of the most beautiful instruments ever heard.
@lohengrin O Just want to extend a thank you for allowing an opera buff like myself to discover gems, in this case Massenet. Much like Callas and Sutherland before her, Flemming brought to life many forgotten operas (with so so result, but hey, they each have their perks and flaws) and it's just unfortunate that the lack of capable singers of today can't seem to continue this effort. In Sweden we still push on with our Toscas, Ring cycles and Bohemes while these amazing pieces and grand operas never see the light of the stage. Thank heaven for TH-cam. And we're still the land of the two Nilssons. That counts for something.
Beautifully staged, and gorgeous singing from both Hampson and Fleming. And indeed, a plush, sumptuous high C from Fleming at the end. There is something about the direction that I find a bit weird. At 07:48, when Thaïs moves to strike Athanaël - it simply doesn't ring true. Thaïs is in a position of power here. Athanaël has already responded with anger at the sensuous pleasures promised by Thaïs and her court: "I hate your false ecstasies!" She has gotten to him, and she knows it. She would know, at this point, that she has succeeded in using his desires to shake his religious convictions.
She's definitely a worthy heir to Sybil Sanderson. But Hampson singing in French sounds like he has three huge burning potatoes in his mouth. His Athanaël is a disaster.
This production was (I believe) borrowed and is dreadful; fortunately it was redeemed by the singing. The setting is supposed to be 4th century Egypt which was a Hellenic period although it would be hard to deduce which century and which country based on the settings. It was a hi-def production and I bought the DVD for the music and hoping the production (I already had the CD) would enhance the experience. I have given up on the French ever turning out singers the likes of Vallin , Doria, et. al.
She got sensuality and cheekiness in these scenes with her wonderful voice. I saw her twice at Thaïs, both times in concert, but she shone just as well as on stage
Only The Met could do Thais justice. Stunning production, beautiful costumes, fantastic set and that is before the music; the singing and the divine violinist Meditation. Renee Fleming is gorgeous in this, out of this world. She always looks very Latvian to me with her blonde hair and those eyes like pools of clear water, like she is in Rusalka. Otherworldly goddess.
Dear God, to be able to look like that and sing like that... divine moment!!
Absolutely stunning voice with her gorgeous face. She is divine...
I feel the same!! I LOVE Renée Fleming!!!
you should also check out Fleming in opera Rusalka
Moi qui suis fan de Renée Fleming, et de cet opéra, je reste sur ma faim. Trop frivole, pas assez dramatique... Manque cette tension irrationnelle et mystique qui traverse tout l'opéra ...
I’ve reserved comment, I have such partiality to her voice, beauty and acting! When I first saw her Desdemona televised I hadn’t heard or seen her before, but knew that I was witnessing a rare talent with extraordinary technique and rare acting ability as well as a beautiful woman! I feel privileged to have followed her career and have been able to see and hear this legend live on stage!
This production is fun and frivolous operatic entertainment, in that sense it does not disappoint.
when I first saw this listed on the HD streaming menu, I thought, oh God, this is one of "those" productions, why couldn't they trust to their own costume dept. instead of capitalizing on the Lacroix name.
The plot is fairly obvious from the beginning, especially Athanael's true amorous intentions immersed in self-denial, and I expected more from his singing but it was sufficient, although Hampson's acting was excellent.
The designer(s) at Maison Lacroix did not disappoint, and neither did Fleming, she was in excellent voice; although her acting was somewhat erratic and not convincing enough at crucial moments of the plot, which by its very nature is an Olympic exercise in suspension of belief; although we understand that Thais is more likely driven to the Divine through despair rather than experiencing a truly spiritual revelation.
Renée Fleming's overall performance is so compelling that you feel like Massenet composed this opera just for her.
Just think of all these seldomly performed operas she brought on the big stages : Thaïs, Armida, Capriccio, Rodelinda... I don't think the Met or Paris would have randomly staged these operas if it wasn't for her.
She had a thing for choosing the roles that would perfectly fit vocally and for which she looked the part. And the curiosity to go beyond Countess Almaviva and Violetta Valery. An influential, smart legend!
This is great.
Thank you Rene Fleming and Lohengrin O for sharing.
Damn that topC sung so effortless spinning nicely
This opera, like a lot of Massenet, is rarely performed. Renee made this a signature role for her because her voice is one of the most beautiful instruments ever heard.
@lohengrin O Just want to extend a thank you for allowing an opera buff like myself to discover gems, in this case Massenet. Much like Callas and Sutherland before her, Flemming brought to life many forgotten operas (with so so result, but hey, they each have their perks and flaws) and it's just unfortunate that the lack of capable singers of today can't seem to continue this effort. In Sweden we still push on with our Toscas, Ring cycles and Bohemes while these amazing pieces and grand operas never see the light of the stage. Thank heaven for TH-cam. And we're still the land of the two Nilssons. That counts for something.
Adore this opera. Sills wasn't too shabby either
MARAVILLOSO DUO
Είναι η υπέροχη φωνή της, αλλά και η παραμυθένια εμφάνισή της, που την συμπληρώνει. Είναι έξοχη!
Να είσαι καλά, φίλε μου.
Valentino αν θυμάμαι καλά ειναι αυτό το αριστούργημα που φοράει...
@@LohengrinO Christian Lacroix
She is so great...
Αυτό είναι το αποκορύφωμα της καριέρας της νομίζω! Ο ρόλος που την καθόρισε! Υπέροχη απ' όλες τις απόψεις!!
Μαζι με Manon, Rusalca και Countess Almaviva
Thank you for sharing this ❤What year and theatre is this?
Beautifully staged, and gorgeous singing from both Hampson and Fleming. And indeed, a plush, sumptuous high C from Fleming at the end. There is something about the direction that I find a bit weird. At 07:48, when Thaïs moves to strike Athanaël - it simply doesn't ring true. Thaïs is in a position of power here. Athanaël has already responded with anger at the sensuous pleasures promised by Thaïs and her court: "I hate your false ecstasies!" She has gotten to him, and she knows it. She would know, at this point, that she has succeeded in using his desires to shake his religious convictions.
5:29
She's definitely a worthy heir to Sybil Sanderson. But Hampson singing in French sounds like he has three huge burning potatoes in his mouth. His Athanaël is a disaster.
ahahahhahahaha
Hampson is in fair company, since most Parisians think the rest of the French sound much the same!
This production was (I believe) borrowed and is dreadful; fortunately it was redeemed by the singing. The setting is supposed to be 4th century Egypt which was a Hellenic period although it would be hard to deduce which century and which country based on the settings. It was a hi-def production and I bought the DVD for the music and hoping the production (I already had the CD) would enhance the experience. I have given up on the French ever turning out singers the likes of Vallin , Doria, et. al.
horrible set and costume, looks like a circus.