Thread: The best role

I think we can ask for TC member's opinion on which is the best role sung by a given singer.

We can start by the lovely Renée Fleming, and then continue with a few others, or not, depending on the interest of the proposal.

Ms. Fleming has sung a good number of roles, the ones below are my personal selection, but of course members can vote for a different one, if their favourite is not collected here:



Contessa Almaviva

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NToJ2phG7Qk

Rusalka

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHXAC6lTXR8

Tatyana

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X03fgUK_XHQ

Rosina

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4sIcK9spzQ

Desdemona

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN2IJqutOA8

Susannah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk9JV3gpwvc

Donna Anna

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrTgxcI305k

Arabella

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eimNTaFhyHw

Blanche

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GADdPQ02mLo

Marschallin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0ZE7v6NLj4

Thaïs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zTm60jRO6g

Die Gräfin Madeleine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oUABPNM_AI



Personally, I vote for the last one, the Countess from Capriccio.

I love her in most things (practically in everything really) but my vote must go to Rusalka. I guess it's sorta her signature role even though I dislike the production of the one that's on DVD.

I didn't click on your links yet, but based on previous experience, I'd select Tatyana, Arabella, and the Marschallin, but I think Armida (Rossini's) is another one to be added to your list.

The links are just for completeness, no need to click or review them. We just go and select our favourite Renée's role. But only one.

Was surprised not to see Manon (I wouldn't have chosen that one, but it'd be in my top 3 or so for her). I vote for the Countess Almaviva

I think I'd have to vote for the Marschallin, with Rusalka a close second.

I'd go for the Marschallin.

Contessa Almaviva - 1
Rusalka - 1
Tatyana
Rosina
Desdemona
Susannah
Donna Anna
Arabella
Blanche
Marschallin - 3 (including my vote)
Thaïs
Die Gräfin Madeleine - 1

Rusalka for me, I haven't seen her Marschallin yet (UWP), though I imagine it will be amazing.

Originally Posted by rgz

Was surprised not to see Manon (I wouldn't have chosen that one, but it'd be in my top 3 or so for her). I vote for the Countess Almaviva

Fleming's Manon is beautifully sung, it's just strikes me as not a fully convincing vocal portrait, I'm missing the vivacious little minx of the first acts in favour of a much more restrained and savvy character.

Just a matter of taste:

Originally Posted by schigolch

Fleming's Manon is beautifully sung, it's just strikes me as not a fully convincing vocal portrait, I'm missing the vivacious little minx of the first acts in favour of a much more restrained and savvy character.

Sigh . . . I can still recall the days when *I* was known as "vivacious little minx." Ah, quelle dommage!