Dive into the enchanting world of French song with Anne Sofie von Otter's "Douce France," a captivating journey through two centuries of musical mastery. This exquisite collection, released in 2013 on the Naïve Classique label, spans from the delicate melodies of Fauré and Debussy to the timeless classics of Édith Piaf, offering a unique panorama of French vocal artistry.
With a career spanning over three decades and a discography of more than 100 releases, Swedish mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter brings her signature warmth and elegance to this diverse repertoire. "Douce France" showcases her remarkable versatility, from the intimate charm of Reynaldo Hahn's songs to the iconic French chansons that have captivated audiences worldwide.
The album features a rich tapestry of compositions, including works by Claude Debussy, Gabriel Fauré, and Charles Gounod, alongside beloved songs made famous by legendary French singers. Standout tracks like "La vie en rose," "Les feuilles mortes," and "Parlez-moi d'amour" are performed with von Otter's signature depth and nuance, while lesser-known gems offer a fresh perspective on the French song tradition.
"Douce France" was recognized with a Grammy Award for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album at the 57th Grammy Awards, cementing its place as a standout achievement in von Otter's illustrious career. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a casual fan of French music, this album promises a delightful exploration of some of the most beautiful and enduring songs in the French repertoire. With a total duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes, "Douce France" is a treasure trove of musical delights that will enchant and inspire.
2013 naïve2013 naïve
Tracks
7 Chansons grises: No. 5, L'heure exquiseReynaldo Hahn, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Le plus beau présentReynaldo Hahn, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Clair de luneCamille Saint-Saëns, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Si vous n'avez rien à me direCamille Saint-Saëns, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Vogue, vogue la galèreCamille Saint-Saëns, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg, Björn Gäfvert
Quand je fus pris au pavillonReynaldo Hahn, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Puisque j'ai mis ma lèvreReynaldo Hahn, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Cimetière de campagneReynaldo Hahn, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
3 Songs, Op. 23: No. 3, Le secretGabriel Fauré, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Epigrammes de Clément Marot: No. 2, D'Anne jouant de l'espinette. Très léger et d'un rythme précis, M. 10Maurice Ravel, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Ballade de la reine morte d'aimer, M. 4 "En Bohème était une reine"Maurice Ravel, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Trois chansons de Bilitis, L. 90: No. 1, La flûte de PanClaude Debussy, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Trois chansons de Bilitis, L. 90: No. 2, La chevelureClaude Debussy, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Trois chansons de Bilitis, L. 90: No. 3, Le tombeau des NaïadesClaude Debussy, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
4 Poèmes, Op. 5: No. 1, La cloche fêléeCharles Martin Loeffler, Anne Sofie von Otter, Antoine Tamestit, Bengt Forsberg
4 Poèmes, Op. 5: No. 4, SérénadeCharles Martin Loeffler, Anne Sofie von Otter, Antoine Tamestit, Bengt Forsberg
Danse macabre (Chanson)Camille Saint-Saëns, Anne Sofie von Otter, Antoine Tamestit, Bengt Forsberg
GöttingenBarbara, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Padam PadamNorbert Glanzberg, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
A Saint-Germain-des-PrésLéo Ferré, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Quel joli tempsBarbara, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
A ParisFrancis Lemarque, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Le facteurGeorges Moustaki, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Chanson des jumellesMichel Legrand, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Je vivrai sans toiMichel Legrand, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Les feuilles mortesJoseph Kosma, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Douce FranceCharles Trenet, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Boum!Charles Trenet, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Le pont MirabeauLéo Ferré, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
La carte du tendreJoseph Mustacchi, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Chanson d'AutomneCamille Saint-Saëns, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
La vie en roseLouiguy, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Que reste-t-il de nos amoursCharles Trenet, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Parlez-moi d'amourJean Lenoir, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
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.
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Anne Sofie von Otter
