A Simple Song

Album Description

Experience the enchanting vocals of renowned mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter in her captivating album "A Simple Song," released in 2018. This exquisite collection of 18 tracks showcases von Otter's remarkable versatility and artistry, accompanied by the masterful Bengt Forsberg on the organ, along with other talented musicians on various instruments. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of opera, classical, and requiem pieces that highlight von Otter's unparalleled vocal range and expressive depth.

"A Simple Song" features a diverse array of compositions, including arrangements of works by Leonard Bernstein, Gustav Mahler, Franz Schubert, and Francis Poulenc, among others. The album opens with a serene rendition of Bernstein's "Mass: No. 2, Hymn & Psalm. A Simple Song," beautifully arranged for voice, flute, electric guitar, harp, and organ. Other standout tracks include the hauntingly beautiful "Urlicht" from Mahler's Symphony No. 2 and the poignant "Pie Jesu" from Fauré's Requiem, both masterfully arranged for voice and organ.

Von Otter's collaboration with pianist Bengt Forsberg is a testament to their long-standing artistic partnership, resulting in a recording that is both intimate and powerful. The album's format, available in SACD and 24-Bit/96 kHz Stereo, ensures an immersive listening experience that captures the nuances of von Otter's voice and the intricate details of the accompanying instrumentation.

"A Simple Song" is a testament to Anne Sofie von Otter's enduring legacy as one of the most celebrated mezzo-sopranos of our time. With her captivating performances and the exquisite arrangements featured in this album, von Otter invites listeners to explore the depths of her artistry and the timeless beauty of the classical repertoire.

7 dec 2018

2018 BIS

About Anne Sofie von Otter

Anne Sofie von Otter is a renowned Swedish mezzo-soprano celebrated for her extraordinary versatility and captivating stage presence. Born in Stockholm in 1955, von Otter's journey began with studies at the Stockholm Conservatory, followed by further training in Vienna and London. Her repertoire is as diverse as it is impressive, spanning from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary pop, and from operatic arias to Swedish folk songs. Von Otter has graced the stages of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including those in New York, London, and Vienna, and has collaborated with legendary artists such as Elvis Costello, Benny Andersson, and Björn Ulvaeus. A recipient of numerous international awards, including a Grammy and the Rolf Schock Prize, von Otter's discography boasts over 100 releases, reflecting her unparalleled musical range and artistic depth. Her performances are not just concerts but immersive experiences that showcase her unpretentious yet powerful vocal style, making her one of the most celebrated mezzo-sopranos of her generation.