Renee Fleming

For my own singing, I used to be attracted by the baroque, the flashier the better, but now I prefer a simpler, purer style.

It is always fragile, being a parent.

I enjoy the more floaty, exposed, elegant singing.

I'm American. I'm eclectic. I'm going to follow my musical passions. And if people don't like it, and it hurts my legacy, I'm not going to worry about that.

I would love to do more private concerts.

I listen to archival and historic recordings. I love watching singers. I learned a lot from watching videos.

My worry is that opera will become an historic art form as opposed to a living, breathing thing.

I've always been inspired by artists who have shown musical and intellectual curiosity and the courage to take risks.

I have had a very difficult time with stage fright; it undermines your well-being and peace of mind, and it can also threaten your livelihood.

I am so envious of my colleagues from 100 years ago who only sang new works, they hardly ever sang revivals.

I think singing it when it's done well is extremely natural. It feels great.

I've spent hours and hours doing research into Appalachian folk music. My grandfather was a fiddler. There is something very immediate, very simple and emotional, about that music.