The diva sang with Lou on the 20th anniversary of the Czech Velvet Revolution. Its leader, Vaclav Havel, was a fan of Lou’s Velvet Underground.
Renée has posted the track on her Facebook page.
Watch. Listen. Do not for one moment call it crossover.
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Bravo, brava!
Better than any crossover!!
Not so keen myself. The appeal of the original was its understated beauty. Operatic singing just makes it way over the top and a parody of itself. It’s a bit like the version with loads of stars trying to make their contribution better than everyone else’s. However, Lou clearly allowed it, as he is involved, so who am to criticise him? I just like his laconic delivery on its own with no embellishment. RIP to a great singer and songwriter.
Sounds like a race between a go-cart and a Mack truck. Only extreme differences in the microphone amplification allowed this duo to happen. They hardly sound like they’re in the same room. For me, and I understand others will hear it very differently, it illustrates the incomparable glory of the bel canto voice. And I say this, as someone who has spent a lifetime exploring alternatives to bel canto in music theater.
what is crossover anyway ? I´m just watching two artists doing what they truly love.
a perfect mismatch
Perfectly put. Why can we not enjoy this for what it is…two musicians making great music with a moving, poignant message.
Love both of these artists but I couldn’t make it through this clip ….
me too. RF is capable of, and has on other occasions, used a pop music delivery, but curiously made no attempt to do it here. This was clearly an aesthetic decision made by the singers.For me, this did not work. I found the contrast in sound and delivery and contrast in microphone levels hard to listen to.
Really beautiful and moving. The sincerity of both artists really comes through. Who was the conductor?
To answer Iwriter’s question I am almost certain the conductor is Jiri Belohlavek.
The BBC Children in Need version was soooo much
better, even if Lou wasn’t on it.
For me it works because the Central Park and Met Opera go together in real life. So this duo has authentic New York vibe to it.