Posted on 02/03/2014 9:34:08 AM PST by afraidfortherepublic
Renowned operatic soprano Renee Fleming did a beautiful, unique rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" before kickoff of Super Bowl XLVIII Sunday, Feb. 2, between the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos.
Fleming was a polarizing selection to sing the American national anthem because of her style. The precedent has been to have pop stars do their take on the historic tune. Often the piece can become glamorized, with too much ornamentation, vocal runs or spins of originality.
To deliver an epic performance on this grand of a stage at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., it took nothing more than Fleming's natural talent and mostly strict adherence to the song to allow her efforts to be a great success.
Bravo!
none of that “A-MER-HAIR-HAIR-HAIR-I-CA-AH-AH-AH-AH” crap either.
+++++
Lol...perfect way to describe it. I usually mute that part...not this time, she was perfect.
My all time favorite version:
http://www.businessinsider.com/whitney-houston-super-bowl-national-anthem-2014-1
Operatic bass.
Good idea! I wish we heard men in their natural range more frequently.
Listen to this: Chicago Bears National Anthem-Jim Cornelison
Yes. It was the best I’ve ever heard in my almost 69 years.
Cornelison also does the National Anthem before Blackhawks games, usually with a veteran at his side. He sings as it should be sung.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQapVXMMawI
When the Hawks won the Stanley Cup in 2010, they gave Cornelison a Championship Ring. I believe he wears it when he signs at United Center (but I will check to make sure when the Hawks come back after the Olympics).
Fleming was polarizing??? Two sentences later they identify the problem with most pop singers trying to perform the national anthem. Clearly pop singers have been the polarizing selections.
Like listening to "God Bless HAMerica" at baseball games.
Best part of the flippin’ game. - Sore Broncos fan.
US National Anthem drowned out by cheers at 91 NHL All Star
I was there and it was deafening. And the cheering is not disrespectful, it was in response to a game in the 80's where some Canadian fans booed our anthem.
I believe Renee is a graduate of the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY. I was a freshman when she was a senior. I saw her sing for Lionel Hampton at Algers Pub. She sang her standard jazz song “When Sonny gets Blue.” He told her she was going places.
Good voice. But he’s a baritone...which I was on the boards. But did you ever hear the likes of Nicolai Ghirurov or Walter Berry? Now they were basses.
Then there’s always the changing of the guard at the witch’s castle in The Wizard Of Oz.
Renée is, even 12 years later, listed as the G.O.A.T. of Super Bowl National Anthems. This tenor has heard her sing twice (2017 Greenville February, 2017 Charleston December), with the latter after running a marathon. And to top it all off, no less, she signed my “Guilty Pleasures” (Greenville) and “Sacred Songs” (Charleston) CD’s.
Being trained by a now-college professor while she was paying her way to grad school has its benefits. I saw von Stade in 2011 and Fleming in 2017. I’d rather have opera singers than Top 40 artists.
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