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.
2018 BIS2018 BIS
Tracks
Mass: No. 2, Hymn & Psalm. A Simple Song (Arr. For Voice, Flute, Electric Guitar, Harp & Organ)Leonard Bernstein, Anne Sofie von Otter, Sharon Bezaly, Fabian Fredriksson, Margareta Nilsson, Bengt Forsberg
12 Poems of Emily Dickinson: No. 10, I've Heard an Organ Talk Sometimes (Arr. for Voice & Organ)Aaron Copland, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
114 Songs: No. 42, Serenity (Arr. for Voice & Organ)Charles Ives, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Symphony No. 3 in D Minor: V. Lustig im Tempo und keck im Ausdruck (Arr. for Voice & Organ)Gustav Mahler, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Symphony No. 2 in C Minor "Resurrection": IV. Urlicht (Arr. for Voice & Organ)Gustav Mahler, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
3 Lieder, Op. 29, TrV 172: No. 1, Traum durch die Dämmerung (Arr. for Voice & Organ)Richard Strauss, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
4 Lieder, Op. 27, TrV 170: No. 4, Morgen! (Arr. for Voice, Violin, Harp & Organ)Richard Strauss, Anne Sofie von Otter, Nils-Erik Sparf, Margareta Nilsson, Bengt Forsberg
My Heart's in the HighlandsArvo Pärt, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Requiem, Op. 9: V. Pie Jesu (Arr. for Voice, Cello & Organ)Maurice Duruflé, Anne Sofie von Otter, Marie McLeod, Bengt Forsberg
3 Mélodies (Arr. for Voice & Organ): No. 1, Pourquoi?Olivier Messiaen, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
3 Mélodies (Arr. for Voice & Organ): No. 2, Le sourireOlivier Messiaen, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
3 Mélodies (Arr. for Voice & Organ): No. 3, La fiancée perdueOlivier Messiaen, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Priez pour paix, FP 95 (Arr. for Voice & Organ)Francis Poulenc, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Requiem: VI. Agnus DeiFrank Martin, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Es sang vor langen JahrenArvo Pärt, Anne Sofie von Otter, Nils-Erik Sparf, Ellen Nisbeth
Ave Maria III, S. 60 (Version for Voice & Organ)Franz Liszt, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Climb Ev'ry Mountain (From "The Sound of Music") [Arr. for Voice & Organ]Richard Rodgers, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
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