About Renée Fleming

• Biography
• Interview

About Charles Mackerras

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

Most opera lovers only know one short excerpt from Rusalka: the ecstatic aria known as the "Song to the Moon." But there's a lot more where that came from. Conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras -- heroic rescuer of unjustly neglected Czech masterworks -- this recording reveals a luminous score brimming over with magical, moonlit music. Rusalka is, in fact, a fairy tale about the ill-fated love of a water sprite and a prince. Renée Fleming has championed the title role for several years, performing it in major opera houses, including the Metropolitan. Her silvery voice brings this sad, supernatural character to life. Tenor Ben Heppner makes a fine prince, softening his heroic tone effectively in the final scene. Although Rusalka is essentially a star vehicle for the soprano, the orchestra also takes a leading role. From first note to last, this brilliant performance proves why the Czech Philharmonic is considered one of the world's great ensembles. We can only hope that this persuasive, highly enjoyable recording will inspire other singers, conductors, and opera companies to take a closer look at Dvorak's last and greatest opera. Andrew Farach-Colton, Barnes & Noble

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