Rossini: Armida (Riccardo Frizza, Renee Fleming) [2010]

Renée Fleming continues her reign as `Queen of the MET', starring in a bel canto rarity specially staged for her - a showcase for her extraordinary vocal virtuosity as well as one of the most beautiful voices of our time. This four-hour bel canto extravaganza is presented here on 2 DVDs. In addition to the great prima donna title role, Armida uniquely features no fewer than six tenor roles, here led by the acclaimed young American tenor Lawrence Brownlee(previously featured on the DG DVD of the Met's La Cenerentola.)In Mary Zimmerman's magical new production, supported by striking sets and colorful costumes and a fully-staged ballet, the `real world' of the Crusaders and the fantastical realm of Armida's enchanted island are clearly contrasted. Of Renée Fleming's performance, the The Opera Critic said: "The beautiful singing and appearance of Fleming make this an event worth seeing... She was especially brilliant in her long final scene which calls for rich legato singing as well as flashy ornamentation".