Review Roundup: Renee Fleming Returns To Carnegie Hall

Renée Fleming performed at Carnegie Hall on October 23 accompanied by pianist Inon Barnatan. Fleming, a renowned soprano, sang a selection of pieces that ranged from Brahms, Andre Previn, and Caroline Shaw, and Strauss, among others.

This performance comes after Fleming announced her departure from the opera stage, though she will be performing in the revival of Carousel on Broadway as Nettie Fowler. This will be her first Broadway musical.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim, The New York Times: In "When You Are Old," she produced a burst of bright sound on the single word "star," with a late, sharp crescendo adding a glancing spark. Mr. Barnatan, meanwhile, played with cinematic immediacy, whether in the equestrian rhythms of "The Fiddler of Dooney" or the metallic ping of the final note of "Brown Penny."... It was a bit of a wink from the diva, an indication that opera may not have seen the last of her.

George Grella, New York Classical Review: Fleming, accompanied by the witty, urbane, and energetic pianist Inon Barnatan, sang a collection of old and new music, including New York and world premieres, and delivered the epitome of what a vocal recital can be. There was superior music making and also a direct, unmannered, and close communication between artist and audience that grew more engrossing as the evening went on. The evening culminated in some time-stopping, beautifully expressive singing that could ease a troubled soul... Every opera stage in the world will miss her, but her fans and everyone else will fortunately still have Renée Fleming and her singularly vulnerable artistry around for years to come.

Photo: Decca/Andrew Eccles