Dive into the enchanting world of Swedish art song with Anne Sofie von Otter's "Watercolours: Swedish Songs." Released in 2003 under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album is a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Swedish music from the early 20th century. With a duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, the album features 33 meticulously crafted tracks that showcase the versatility and depth of Anne Sofie von Otter's vocal prowess.
Accompanied by the masterful pianist Bengt Forsberg, von Otter brings to life a collection of songs that are as evocative as they are beautiful. The album spans a variety of genres, including opera, classical, and requiem, offering a comprehensive exploration of Swedish musical heritage. From the hauntingly beautiful "Nio sånger (Nine Songs)" by Lars-Erik Larsson to the lyrical elegance of Hugo Alfvén's "Pioner (Peonies)," each track is a testament to the artistic brilliance of both the composers and the performers.
"Watercolours: Swedish Songs" is not just an album; it is an immersive experience that transports you to the heart of Swedish musical tradition. The album's diverse repertoire, ranging from the serene "Sköldmön (The Amazon)" to the poignant "Hjärtats Sånger (Songs Of The Heart)," offers a rich and varied listening experience. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a casual listener, this album promises to captivate and inspire.
Anne Sofie von Otter, known for her versatility and artistic integrity, delivers a performance that is both technically flawless and deeply expressive. Her collaboration with Bengt Forsberg results in a harmonious blend of vocals and piano that brings out the nuances and subtleties of each composition. The album is a celebration of Swedish musical artistry, presented with the highest standards of production and performance.
Nio sånger (Nine Songs), Op. 35: 9. Kyssande vind (Kiss Of The Wind)Lars-Erik Larsson, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Nio sånger (Nine Songs), Op. 35: 5. För vilsna fötter sjunger gräset (Grass Sings Under Wandering Feet)Lars-Erik Larsson, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Nio sånger (Nine Songs), Op. 35: 7. Skyn, blomman och en lärka (The Cloud, The Flower And The Lark)Lars-Erik Larsson, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Pioner (Peonies)Hugo Alfvén, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Så tag mit hjerte (So Takes My Heart)Hugo Alfvén, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
På reveln (On The Reef): 1. På reveln (On The Reef)Gösta Nystroem, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
På reveln (On The Reef): 2. Otrolig dag (Amazing Day)Gösta Nystroem, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
På reveln (On The Reef): 3. Havet sjunger (The Song Of The Sea)Gösta Nystroem, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
En Gammal Dansrytm (Old Dance)Ture Rangström, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Den enda stunden (A Moment In Time)Ture Rangström, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Tre Sånger (Three Songs): 1. Sipporna (The Anemones)Gustaf Nordqvist, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Tre Sånger (Three Songs): 2. Jag ville vara tårar (If I Could Be Tears)Gustaf Nordqvist, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Tre Sånger (Three Songs): 3. Till havs (On The Sea)Gustaf Nordqvist, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Hjärtats Sånger (Songs Of The Heart), Op. 27: 1. När du sluter mina ögon (When You Close My Eyes)Gunnar de Frumerie, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Hjärtats Sånger (Songs Of The Heart), Op. 27: 2. Det blir vackert där dur går (You Make Everything Beautiful)Gunnar de Frumerie, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Hjärtats Sånger (Songs Of The Heart), Op. 27: 3. Saliga väntan (Blessed It Is To Wait)Gunnar de Frumerie, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Hjärtats Sånger (Songs Of The Heart), Op. 27: 4. Ur djupet av min själ (From The Depths Of My Soul)Gunnar de Frumerie, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Hjärtats Sånger (Songs Of The Heart), Op. 27: 5. Du är min Afrodite (You Are My Aphrodite)Gunnar de Frumerie, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Hjärtats Sånger (Songs Of The Heart), Op. 27: 6. Som en våg (Like A Wave)Gunnar de Frumerie, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Två sånger (Two Songs): 2. Den ängen där dukysste mig (The Meadow Where You Kissed Me)Bo Linde, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Två sånger (Two Songs): 1. Äppelträd och päronträd (Apple-Trees And Pear-Trees)Bo Linde, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Den Fredlöse (The Outlaw): Och riddaren for uti österland (And The Knight Rode To The Holy Land)Tor Aulin, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Fyra Serbiska Folksånger (Four Serbian Folksongs): 1. Till en Ros (To A Rose)Tor Aulin, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Fyra Serbiska Folksånger (Four Serbian Folksongs): 2. Vinter i hjertat (Winter In My Heart)Tor Aulin, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Fyra Serbiska Folksånger (Four Serbian Folksongs): 3. Hvad vill jag (What Do I Want)Tor Aulin, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Fyra Serbiska Folksånger (Four Serbian Folksongs): 4. Domen (The Judgement)Tor Aulin, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Aftonland (Evening Land) / Part 4: 1. Nu är det sommarmorgon (A Summer Morning)Gunnar de Frumerie, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Serenad - Transcription For Voice And PianoTure Rangström, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Sköldmön (The Amazon)Ture Rangström, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Fyra sånger (Four Songs): 1. Lento "Är jag intill döden trött" (I Am Tired To Death)Bo Linde, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Fyra sånger (Four Songs): 2. Liberato "Är det du" (Is It You)Bo Linde, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Fyra sånger (Four Songs): 3. Adagio "Tag mig. Håll mig" (Take Me. Hold Me)Bo Linde, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg
Fyra sånger (Four Songs): 4. Tranquillo "May We Be Happy And Rejoice"Bo Linde, Anne Sofie von Otter, Bengt Forsberg