Anne Sofie von Otter, the celebrated Swedish mezzo-soprano, presents "A Simple Song," a captivating album released on December 7, 2018, under the BIS label. This exquisite collection spans a variety of genres, including opera, classical, and requiem, offering a rich and diverse listening experience that lasts just under an hour and ten minutes.
The album features a stunning array of compositions, ranging from Gustav Mahler's "Symphony No. 3" and "Symphony No. 2 'Resurrection'" to Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria" and the iconic "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" from "The Sound of Music." Von Otter's arrangements are innovative and intimate, often pairing her voice with the organ, creating a unique and hauntingly beautiful sound.
"A Simple Song" showcases von Otter's extraordinary vocal range and emotional depth, as she navigates through pieces that are both familiar and lesser-known. Her interpretation of Emily Dickinson's poetry, set to music, is particularly noteworthy, adding a literary dimension to the album.
This album is a testament to von Otter's versatility and artistry, making it a compelling addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her work, "A Simple Song" offers a profound and enriching musical journey.
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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