Renée Fleming is one of the most polarizing figures to be discussed here on an ongoing basis: it seems one either loves her or despises her. For her debut on my Mixcloud site, I am happy to offer the opportunity to hear her in an opera written specifically for her. Since the premiere of A Streetcar Named Desire in San Francisco in 1998 (which I attended and enjoyed very much), André Previn has wisely chopped about half an hour off the score, turning it into one of the most important—and most performed—American operas of the last several decades.

It even had a successful run at Theater an der Wien, and only part of that was due to Teddy Tahu Rhodes going the full monty). This performance, taped last year at the Los Angeles Opera, provides a chance to hear how Fleming is holding up in a role conceived for her vocal abilities, as well as a chance to hear Anthony Dean Griffey in the role of Mitch, which he also created at the world premiere. Also heard, though unfortunately not seen, is Ryan McKinney as Stanley (pictured).

André Previn: A Streetcar Named Desire

Los Angeles Opera
Evan Rogister, conductor
18 May 2014

In-house recording

Blanche DuBois – Renée Fleming
Stanley Kowalski – Ryan McKinney
Harold “Mitch” Mitchell – Anthony Dean Griffey
Stella Kowalski – Stacey Tappan
Eunice Hubbell – Victoria Livengood
Steve Hubbell – Joshua Guerrero
Newspaper Collector – Cullen Gandy
The Doctor – Robert Shampain
The Nurse – Cynthia Marty