Renée Fleming Master Class, September 28, 2015: Evelyn Saavedra, Aaron Bigeleisen

Students from the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music received invaluable coaching and advice from Renée Fleming when the world’s most sought-after and beloved soprano made her first appearance the school as its newly appointed Distinguished Visiting Artist.

[@thingoclien]

Fantastic. What a wonderful singer and teacher, Renee Fleming!

[@debraakers7082]

The second singer has such a beautiful timbre to his voice. Wonderful spin in his voice, or vibrato, which creates a smooth phrase. Bravo.

[@debraakers7082]

The first singer is outstanding. Wow! Brava! These types of songs are difficult to sing. Great diction!

[@Eturoel]

Why do students never pick an Aria from La Tosca, La Bohème, Madam Butterfly, etc.?. At least I have never heard a Masterclass where these were performed.

[@MrMrmike5]

Puccini arias switch back and forth between supreme vocal challenge and basic conversation. Students usually pick arias that have a certain structure and are not too stressing vocally, that way they can highlight vocal technique over how high and hard can you hit notes.

[@Eturoel]

Thank you for your reply. I could never understand why one would not select an Aria which would move the audience to tears. On the other hand, these are not students who just learned the ABC of singing. Some of them are quite experienced performers. If I had the voice, chances are I would have picked something from Tosca or La Boheme, etc. Just wishful thinking.

[@Eturoel]

I agree with you to some extent. Nessun Dorma is one example, O Mio Babino Caro another. However La fille du Regiment, would you call the 9 high C's cliché or is this a challenge even for the best ?

[@MrMrmike5]

I think the ultimate point of these school recitals isn't to see who can sing the great arias better than the great singers, but rather to demonstrate vocal technique and showcase their unique voices.

[@Eturoel]

I could not agree with you more.

[@leylaakaeva7075]

Could you please tell me what is the name of the first aria!?

[@barettfleming3631]

Leyla Akaeva Steal Me Sweet Thief from The Old Maid and the Thief by Menotti. Sometimes called “What A Curse For A Woman”

[@2000wattz]

I hear Eastern is great for female voices, but not so good for male voices. Is that true?