Search - Wilhelmenia Fernandez :: Sings George Gershwin

Decent recording although not the greatest

groucho | Chapel Hill, NC, USA | 01/20/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Those who watched this French film "Diva" will remember Fernandez as the coloratura soprano whose legend was even more revered because she refused to have herself recorded. In this album, Fernandez sings the overdone Gershwin classics in a voice-piano format. If one will compare this effort with the similar recordings of Barbara Hendricks, Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle, Kiri Te Kanawa and other classically-trained singers doing crossover albums, Fernandez did not really break new grounds in terms of new interpretations or even vocal purity. But here's the tricky part, her singing approaches a Schubert-like lied dimension because she never subverted her bel canto voice in singing Gershwin. Instead she reveled in long vocal lines and sang the songs the way she sings arias. Some renditions of songs actually work and reach an unparalleled level of intensity, while others did not produce the needed magic. And while it has its own merits, I just wished Fernandez would sing arias the way she did in Diva or devote an entire album to Schubert songs."

This is one of the greatest tribute cds i've ever heard

Philip Scott | U.S.A. | 01/02/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! The idea to do a tribute cd to George is just wonderful. What an idea! Many artist have started out with this idea in mind, but have never had much success with this theme. I takes a special artists to sing these songs and make them have a full meaning. Wilhel is one of a few singers that I feel should be singing these jewels. Her voice is just great for this kind of repertoire. I think she could do wonders with any kind of music.For this project Wilhel choose most of Georges' big hits. She decided on a piano accompaniment only. This is all
Wilhel needs for her voice is so great she needs to be the star of the show and not the accompaniment. As far as that goes, she probably could have sang these songs aceppella and done great.I know that George must be very proud to hear his gems performed by such a talented singer. Bravo, Wilhelmenia.Recommendation: This cd is highly recommended."