Posted on 01/27/2014 7:10:03 AM PST by rhema
Renée Fleming has hit some important pop-culture markers in the past few months. In September, she went on David Letterman’s show to sing the Top Ten list. Now, she’s going to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl. Musical attention at the Super Bowl usually focuses on the halftime show, but since this kind of attention is so rare in classical music these days, and since Fleming is the first opera singer ever to be accorded this, well, honor, the announcement has caused quite a stir.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
From a Marine Corps Colonel in Afghanistan:
"So with all the kindness I can muster, I give this one piece of advice to the next pop star who is asked to sing the national anthem at a sporting event: save the vocal gymnastics and the physical gyrations for your concerts. Just sing this song the way you were taught to sing it in kindergarten - straight up, no styling. "Sing it with the constant awareness that there are soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines watching you from bases and outposts all over the world. Don't make them cringe with your self-centered ego gratification. Sing it as if you are standing before a row of 86-year-old WWII vets wearing their Purple Hearts, Silver Stars and flag pins on their cardigans and you want them to be proud of you for honoring them and the country they love - not because you want them to think you are a superstar musician. They could see that from your costume, makeup and your entourage.
Sing 'The Star Spangled Banner' with the courtesy and humility that tells the audience that it is about America, not you. And please remember, not everything has to be sung as a Negro spiritual. We're getting a little weary of that.
Francis Scott Key does not need any help."
Semper Fi !
I have been impressed with many renditions at NHL arenas in Canada. It means a lot when someone who is not even an American delivers a proper, respectful rendition.
Thanks a lot guys, eh?
Finally! We may get a singer who can hit that high note without her voice cracking.
“—please remember, not everything has to be sung as a Negro spiritual. We’re getting a little weary of that.”
I actually thought I was the only one who felt this way. I often have to mute the TV it annoys me so much.
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I am in complete agreement with the comments made by my fellow Marine.
In addition, let me say that Renee Fleming singing our National Anthem will likely be the high point of the entire Stupor Bowl Show.
OooRah!
Fleming is amazing. I look forward to haering this.
Where’s Mad Ivan?
well she’s certainly not a pop star
No, a lot of people are tired of it. Before my niece graduated high school, she sang in the choir. The choir director told them that under no cirrcumstances did he allow “scooping” and other such characteristics in their singing.
Amen! I refuse to listen to any “Whitney Houston” rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. It is disgusting.
At last someone, for the first time in 2 decades or more who will sing it with grace, power, and dignity...I’m psyched!
bookmark
We’ve had opera singers sing it at Yankee games - Robert Merrill for one. Admittedly, a while ago. Renee Fleming is not only a good singer she’s a pretty, classy lady as well.
Well said Colonel. Well said.
BUMP 10^10
“Sing ‘The Star Spangled Banner’ with the courtesy and humility that tells the audience that it is about America, not you.”
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Renee Fleming sings Amazing Grace at 9/11 memorial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87BxqK7KKCc
This will be done right. And it will probably be the only part of the Super Bowl I will watch.
From my old marching band director (paraphrased):
“The Star Spangled Banner should be performed in 1 minute, 20 seconds. No longer.”
Too bad Elina Garanca isn’t American.
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