Dive into the enchanting world of French song with Anne Sofie von Otter's "Douce France," a captivating collection of 34 tracks that span the rich tapestry of French vocal music. Recorded in February 2013 at the prestigious Atlantis Studio in Stockholm, this album is a testament to von Otter's exquisite vocal prowess and her deep connection to the French chanson tradition.
"Douce France" is a journey through time, featuring works from the golden age of French song, alongside contemporary compositions. The album opens with a series of art songs by composers such as Gabriel Fauré and Claude Debussy, showcasing von Otter's ability to imbue each piece with nuance and depth. The tracklist also includes beloved French standards like "La Vie en Rose," "Les Feuilles Mortes," and "Parlez-Moi d'Amour," each rendered with von Otter's signature warmth and elegance.
Von Otter's voice is perfectly suited to this repertoire, effortlessly navigating the intricacies of each composition. Whether she's interpreting the delicate melodies of Debussy's "Clair de Lune" or the playful charm of "Padam Padam," her performance is marked by a rare combination of technical mastery and artistic sensitivity.
The album's duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes offers a generous serving of vocal delights, making it an ideal companion for those seeking to explore the breadth and beauty of French song. With its rich selection of tracks and von Otter's impeccable artistry, "Douce France" is a celebration of the enduring appeal of French vocal music.
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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 musical journey began at the Stockholm Conservatory, followed by studies in Vienna and London. Her repertoire spans an impressive range, from Baroque masterpieces to contemporary compositions, and even includes collaborations with pop icons like Elvis Costello and ABBA members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. Von Otter has graced the stages of the world's most prestigious opera houses, including those in New York, London, and Vienna, and has been honored with numerous awards, including a Grammy and the Rolf Schock Prize. Her extensive discography, featuring over 100 releases, showcases her remarkable talent and collaborative spirit with legendary artists such as Carlos Kleiber, Claudio Abbado, and Giuseppe Sinopoli. Whether performing lieder, operas, oratorios, or pop songs, Anne Sofie von Otter's unpretentious and engaging performances continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
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Anne Sofie von Otter
