Immerse yourself in the rich and diverse world of classical vocal artistry with Anne Sofie von Otter's "Moderne Klassiker: Gesang." Released in 2003 under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album is a testament to von Otter's extraordinary range and versatility. Spanning a little over an hour, the collection features 12 meticulously chosen tracks that showcase her mastery of opera, classical, and requiem genres.
The album opens with Anton Bruckner's serene "Agnus Dei" from his Mass No. 2 in E Minor, setting a contemplative tone. It seamlessly transitions into Richard Wagner's dramatic "O sink hernieder, Nacht der Liebe" from "Tristan und Isolde," highlighting von Otter's ability to navigate both tender and powerful musical landscapes. Richard Strauss' "Im Abendrot" from "Vier letzte Lieder" is a poignant reflection on life's twilight, beautifully rendered by von Otter's expressive vocals.
The album also includes works by lesser-known but equally compelling composers, such as Maurice Ravel's "Le Temps des Lilas" and Dmitri Shostakovich's "Alexander Nevsky." Each piece is a gem, showcasing von Otter's technical prowess and interpretive depth. The inclusion of songs in various languages adds a layer of cultural richness, making this album a global journey through the world of classical music.
Accompanied by the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks and the Bavarian Radio Chorus, under the baton of Eugen Jochum, the album benefits from top-tier orchestral support. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Moderne Klassiker: Gesang" offers a captivating exploration of some of the most beautiful and enduring vocal works in the classical repertoire.
Mass No. 2 In E Minor, WAB 27: VI. Agnus DeiAnton Bruckner, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Eugen Jochum, Bavarian Radio Chorus
Tristan und Isolde / Act 2: "O sink hernieder, Nacht der Liebe"Richard Wagner, Astrid Varnay, Wolfgang Windgassen, Bamberg Symphony, Ferdinand Leitner
Vier letzte Lieder, TrV 296: 4. Im AbendrotRichard Strauss, Lisa della Casa, Wiener Philharmoniker, Karl Böhm
Rückert Lieder: Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommenGustav Mahler, Kathleen Ferrier, Wiener Philharmoniker, Bruno Walter
6 Songs Op. 13: No. 6 Sie kam zum Schloss gegangenAlexander von Zemlinsky, Anne Sofie von Otter, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchester, John Eliot Gardiner
Alexander Nevsky, Op. 78: VI. Field of the DeadSergei Prokofiev, Elena Obraztsova, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
Le Temps des Lilas, op.19, No. 3 (Maurice Bouchor)Ernest Chausson, Christine Schäfer, Irwin Gage
Seven Poems of Alexander Blok, Op. 127: 7. Music (Muzyka) - LiveDmitri Shostakovich, Galina Vishnevskaya, Emanuel Hurwitz, Mstislav Rostropovich, Benjamin Britten
Don Quichotte à Dulcinée, M. 84: No. 2, Chanson épiqueMaurice Ravel, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Karl Engel
Vier Lieder des Abschieds, Op. 14: I. Sterbelied; sehr ruhig und gefasst, mit verhaltener tiefer EmpfindungErich Wolfgang Korngold, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Altenberg Lieder, Op. 4: No. 5, Hier ist FriedeAlban Berg, Margaret Price, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado