Nothing new as far as what she sings; but she is in fine form
I think I have heard Renee sing all of these pieces elsewhere, but I can't recall her sounding better anywhere. I apologize but I can't speak to the orchestral numbers as I enjoyed them, but am not well versed enough to compare to other versions. With Fleming, though, I can say that I can get frustrated with her programs at times. I didn't know what to expect here, especially seeing that there was "nothing new." However, the Korngold (possibly not just her best rendition, but my new favorite all time) and Strauss are beyond any previous recordings I've heard or live versions I've heard myself. A pleasant surprise. even with the orchestral filler (sorry, I like many bought for Renee and was weary that the orchestra numbers might dominate the disk - but, I found them nice accents to what is definitely a Fleming centered concert with a fantastic orchestra). Fleming fans will love. I don't consider myself a die hard Fleming fan after hearing her sing some pretty lazy concerts over the...
Ann's opinion
I am an unabashedly enthusiastic admirer of Renee Fleming's work but was very disappointed in this DVD. The sound seemed tailored to the orchestra - and what an orchestra at that! I've not heard a better rendition of Tchaikovsy's Romeo and Juliet in 50 years of concert going. However, Renee's singing came across as kind of 'muted'. I'd heard all the selections before of course but she sounded, and at times looked, quite apprehensive; although ravishing as usual in some gorgeous dresses. As other reviewers have suggested it may have been a technical problem and the fault of sound engineers. All in all, a very frustrating and disappointing concert. Not that it would stop me buying any other of hers!
Waffling Waldbuhne
I have several Waldbuhne recordings and they have all been quite enjoyable. This particular recording is not up to the standards of the others. The issue is not so much, as one reviewer stated that it is compressed, as all audio is compressed to some degree or another. (If it were not, you would have some very unbalanced over-modulated recordings!)
That being said, there is a limited frequency response here which makes the music sound a bit muted. There are no real deep lows or transparent highs. The DTS 5.1 master audio surround lacks depth and ambiance. For the best Waldbuhne concert from an audio respective get "Berlin Concert: Live From Waldbuhne [Blu-ray] (2008)". It is quite impressive!
Despite some of the audio challenges, I did enjoy this concert as it is a decent live recording. I particularly enjoyed Renee Fleming's interpretation of Dvorak's "Song to the Moon". Even though, it is the slowest and most emphatic version I have ever heard, there is amazing...
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