I watched "Great Performances" last night. Some great singing by Renée Fleming and Dmitri Hvorostovski, solos and duets, and I liked the way that, even though they were in a concert situation, they didn't just stand there and sing, they acted things out as if they were in the operas themselves. Interspersed between the singing, Renée took us on a tour of St. Petersburg. Beautiful city! I had no idea!

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The following are some examples of well-known, world-class sopranos singing "O mio babbino caro."

Renée Fleming.

Anna Netrebko (with translation in subtitles).

Angela Gheorghiu.

And again,
Jackie Evancho.

Even in such company as that, this young lady's voice, and singing in general, are impressive! I really hope she manages to avoid the exploiters and all the other traps, and goes on the have the kind of singing career that her gift and her talent deserves.

Don Firth