From her humble origins in Indiana, PA as the daughter of a music teacher, through a 25-year span that saw her develop and sustain a reputation as one of the most acclaimed and accomplished female operatic vocalists of the 20th century, Renée Fleming has truly become a legend in her own time. Known for her successful ability to tackle a broad array of operatic material -- from Desdemona in Giuseppe Verdis Othello to The Countess in Mozarts Marriage of Figaro -- Fleming is also reputed for creating stage roles, such as Madame Tourvel in Conrad Susas 1994 Dangerous Liasons. Now, the home video release Renée Fleming: Sacred Songs features the chanteuse interpreting a variety of historys most haunting and deeply moving spiritual arias, live on stage. The 16 pieces include Handels Ochs Dank sei dir Herr, Schuberts Ave Maria as arranged by Chris Hazell, Berliozs LAdieu des Bergeres as arranged by Chris Hazell, and the duet Humperdinck Abends will ich schlafen gehn performed with Susan Graham. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide