"Geistliche Arien" is a captivating album by the renowned Swedish mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter, released under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label in January 2009. This collection showcases von Otter's extraordinary vocal prowess and versatility, featuring a selection of sacred arias from the Baroque and Classical periods.
The album spans a rich tapestry of compositions by some of the most celebrated composers in history, including Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, George Frideric Handel, and others. Notable pieces include excerpts from Bach's "Mass in B Minor" and "St. Matthew Passion," Handel's "Messiah" and "Dido and Aeneas," and Mozart's "Mass in C Minor." Each track is a testament to von Otter's ability to convey deep emotional resonance and technical mastery.
Recorded live at Orchestra Hall in Chicago in 1990, the performances are accompanied by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the legendary Sir Georg Solti. The album's duration is a concise yet impactful 73 minutes, making it a perfect choice for both casual listeners and classical music enthusiasts.
"Geistliche Arien" is not just an album; it's a journey through some of the most profound and moving sacred music ever composed. Anne Sofie von Otter's interpretation brings a fresh perspective to these timeless works, highlighting her unique ability to connect with the essence of each piece. Whether you're a long-time fan of classical music or new to the genre, this album offers a compelling exploration of the sacred aria, showcasing the beauty and depth of von Otter's artistry.
Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: I. Gloria: f. Laudamus te (Soprano II) - Live at Orchestra Hall, Chicago, 1990Johann Sebastian Bach, Anne Sofie von Otter, Samuel Magad, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: I. Gloria: j. Qui sedes ad dexteram Patris (Alto) - Live at Orchestra Hall, Chicago, 1990Johann Sebastian Bach, Anne Sofie von Otter, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Mass in B Minor, BWV 232: IV. Agnus Dei: d. Agnus Dei (Alto) - Live at Orchestra Hall, Chicago, 1990Johann Sebastian Bach, Anne Sofie von Otter, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Messiah, HWV 56 / Pt. 3: L. "If God Be for Us"George Frideric Handel, Anne Sofie von Otter, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Hercules, HWV 60 / Act 1: Aria: "The world, when day's career is run"George Frideric Handel, Anne Sofie von Otter, Les Musiciens du Louvre, Marc Minkowski
Mass in C Minor, K. 427 "Grosse Messe" (Ed. H.C. Robbins Landon): II. Gloria: d. Domine DeusWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Elizabeth Norberg-Schulz, Anne Sofie von Otter, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Mass in C Minor, K. 427 "Grosse Messe" (Ed. H.C. Robbins Landon): II. Gloria: b. Laudamus teWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Anne Sofie von Otter, Wiener Philharmoniker, Sir Georg Solti
Donna, che in ciel di tanta luce splendi, HWV 233: IX. Aria & Chorus. Maria, salute e spemeGeorge Frideric Handel, Anne Sofie von Otter, Musica Antiqua Köln, Reinhard Goebel, Chorus
Il pianto di Maria (Prev. Attrib. Handel as HWV 234): II. Cavatina. Se d'un Dio fui fatta madreGiovanni Battista Ferrandini, Anne Sofie von Otter, Musica Antiqua Köln, Reinhard Goebel
Dido and Aeneas / Act III: "Thy Hand, Belinda...When I Am Laid in Earth"Henry Purcell, Anne Sofie von Otter, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Part One: "Du lieber Heiland du"Johann Sebastian Bach, Anne Sofie von Otter, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 / Part One: No. 6 Aria (Alto): "Buss und Reu"Johann Sebastian Bach, Anne Sofie von Otter, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: "Ach nun ist mein Jesu hin"Johann Sebastian Bach, Anne Sofie von Otter, Chicago Symphony Chorus, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 / Part Two: "Erbarme dich"Johann Sebastian Bach, Anne Sofie von Otter, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
St. Matthew Passion, BWV 244 - Part Two: "Können Tränen meiner Wangen"Johann Sebastian Bach, Anne Sofie von Otter, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Sir Georg Solti
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248 / Part One - For The First Day Of Christmas: No. 4 Aria: " Bereite dich, Zion"Johann Sebastian Bach, Anne Sofie von Otter, Anthony Robson, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner