Anne Sofie von Otter - Lamenti (Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Purcell, Bertali, Legrenzi) / Goebel

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Many fans and at least a few writers call Anne Sofie von Otter the best mezzo-soprano in the world--period. While some of her earliest recording successes were in Bach and Monteverdi, it's her remarkable singing in mainstream concert works and operas from Mozart to Massenet to Mahler that made her world-famous. The music on this disc (mostly from the 17th century) is the oldest von Otter has done in a while--and dedicated early-music lovers might expect that her years in the opera house and recital hall have spoiled her voice for this repertory. (That seemed to be the case with her blustery, oversung Octavia in The Coronation of Poppea.)

Well, the first 30 seconds of the breathtaking opening track, Monteverdi's "Con che soavità," should allay those fears quite nicely. This is Emma Kirkby territory--von Otter sounds very different, of course, but every bit as convincing as Kirkby and arguably more sensuous. Similarly, in Vivaldi's cantata "Cessate, omai cessate," von Otter's virtuosity and fire give even Cecilia Bartoli a run for her money. (To these non-native ears, von Otter's Italian diction seems exemplary, as well.) She captures the intense yet dignified grief of the princess Ariadne in Monteverdi's Lamento d'Arianna and the pensive eloquence of Purcell's "O Solitude" equally well. Yet she never fails to blend with the period instruments (exquisitely played by lutenist Jakob Lindberg and Musica Antiqua Köln) and never overwhelms the music. (Her embellishments sound very apt--if not very spontaneous--as well.) This is probably the best solo recording von Otter has ever made--and that's saying a lot. Let it never be said again that this tall, blonde Swede is a cool and dispassionate artist. --Matthew Westphal

Tracks:

'Con che soavita'
'Lamento della Regina d'Inghilterra'
'Il ballo del Gran Duca' Op. 16: 'Corrente Nona'
Cantata 'Cessate, omai cessate'
'Lamento d'Arianna'
'Incassum, Lesbia, rogas'
Ciaccona
'Oh solitude!'

Amazon.com

Many fans and at least a few writers call Anne Sofie von Otter the best mezzo-soprano in the world--period. While some of her earliest recording successes were in Bach and Monteverdi, it's her remarkable singing in mainstream concert works and operas from Mozart to Massenet to Mahler that made her world-famous. The music on this disc (mostly from the 17th century) is the oldest von Otter has done in a while--and dedicated early-music lovers might expect that her years in the opera house and recital hall have spoiled her voice for this repertory. (That seemed to be the case with her blustery, oversung Octavia in The Coronation of Poppea.)

Well, the first 30 seconds of the breathtaking opening track, Monteverdi's "Con che soavità," should allay those fears quite nicely. This is Emma Kirkby territory--von Otter sounds very different, of course, but every bit as convincing as Kirkby and arguably more sensuous. Similarly, in Vivaldi's cantata "Cessate, omai cessate," von Otter's virtuosity and fire give even Cecilia Bartoli a run for her money. (To these non-native ears, von Otter's Italian diction seems exemplary, as well.) She captures the intense yet dignified grief of the princess Ariadne in Monteverdi's Lamento d'Arianna and the pensive eloquence of Purcell's "O Solitude" equally well. Yet she never fails to blend with the period instruments (exquisitely played by lutenist Jakob Lindberg and Musica Antiqua Köln) and never overwhelms the music. (Her embellishments sound very apt--if not very spontaneous--as well.) This is probably the best solo recording von Otter has ever made--and that's saying a lot. Let it never be said again that this tall, blonde Swede is a cool and dispassionate artist. --Matthew Westphal

Customer Reviews:

Beauty for Its Sake; Van Otter, Goebel record a Paradigm.......1999-12-07

Sumptuous. Absolutly. There isn't a single flaw in this CD. Van Otter is--Von Otter. She sings in the early style for this CD. Sometimes Mr. Goebel gets carried away with himself. I have found his CD's to be hits and misses. But on this CD Mr. Goebel splits the arrow already on the bullseye. Perhaps age and maturity have given Mr. Goebel the confiedence to hold back a bit and let the music grab the listener's attention rather than shake up the early music orchesta pit. This CD seduces you. Who would have thought such tenderness from one of the bad boys of the Early Music Movement. It is Goebel at his best: scholarship with musicianship. This CD must be saved from World War III. It is a fine example of the best of humans.

Splendid music, great singing! A disc to treasure..........1999-09-15

The CD appeared on the European market early this year ("Gramophone" reviewed it in March on p. 88) and it is only now that it has its American premiere. I was waiting impatiently - so did many von Otter's admirers in this country - and here it is! I bought my copy in Europe a couple of months ago and listened to it many, many times. What a wonderful disc it is! One of the highlights of the program is Vivaldi's cantata "Cessate, omai cessate" which has been recorded not so long ago by Andreas Scholl (1996 "Gramophone Award" winning disc with Vivaldi's "Stabat Mater" and other vocal and instrumental pieces, Harmonia Mundi HMC 901571). Both interpretations are splendid, but diametrically different with Scholl more withdrawn and resigned (the cantata tells a story of an unhappy love) and von Otter boiling with fury, one of the most "furious furies" I've ever heard in the so called 'ancient music' repertoire (Handel can be quite good at it!). There are other wonderful pieces, including such gems as Purcell's "Incassum, Lesbia, rogas" or famous ""Oh solitude". Throughout the disc, von Otter proves once again how masterly she can convey the mood of music by using the most subtle colors of her voice's palette. This disc is my treasure! Its contents - heralded by the title - does not promiss an easy and cheerful fall listening, but as always with von Otter's recitals - it brings real joy, though sometimes through tears.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

Myths & Legends [Import]

actoractressgallery.com Music: 20th Century Miniatures, Vol. 2

Dede & Ta Bouche

All Work, No Play

Filati Pregiati, Vol. 2: Lounge Extravaganza [Import]

Fresh Aire 4

Inde du Nord

Hooray for Dark Matter

Empty Sounds from Anarchy Ranch

Glière: The Red Poppy (Complete Ballet)

History of Jazz: 75 Original Recordings [Import]

Dos Generaciones

De Bach a Brouwer [Import]

Counterpoint Sings Noel

Wave on Wave