When once a singer of Fleming's stature would have recorded operas all the time, these days it's a long time between drinks. Indeed, it is 7 years since her last recording of Massenet's Thais. Fortunately, Decca has recorded Fleming in a role that suits her wonderfully. Daphne, set in mythical Greece and possessing one of those stories about which it is perhaps best not to ponder too much, is unlikely to be seen in Melbourne so for that reason alone it is worth snapping up this release. Strauss has always been a soprano's best friend and Rene has repaid the composer with some of her loveliest singing here. Her performance of the last scene when the heroine is transformed into a tree (yes, I know, but stay with me) is truly magical. The supporting cast includes the Herculean tenor Johann Botha who copes well with Strauss's tenor writing and the fine bass Kwanchul Youn. Semyon Bychkov conducted the opera to great acclaim at Vienna only last year.
Bruce Raggatt
