Search - Anne Sofie von Otter, Jory Vinikour, Jakob Lindberg :: Music for a While: Baroque Melodies

At times, a wonderful experience, at others, a lukewarm one.

wolfgang731 | 11/16/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a von Otter fan for a number of years now and almost always, blindly purchase her recordings immediately upon release, never having to be either persuaded or dissuaded. I'm rarely, if ever, wholly disappointed. And this is no exception. Von Otter is one of the most intelligent and completely versatile singers on the classical music scene. Her ability to go from Baroque to 20th century works (like her Melisande for Haitink) is admirable and always tasteful. In "Music for a While" she seems, at times, too eager to please, if you will. It's obvious she means to be cheeky, but at times comes across rather annoying and that is not something that she wears well. I don't take anything so seriously that I can't see what the ultimate aim was, but it just seemed somewhat silly and smacking of effort; however, I still think that is a more than worthy recital and one that will provide a great deal of entertainment to both her established fan base and any newcomers. Her Dowland selections are where she really shines, imbuing those lovely pieces with a pathos and quiet dignity that have become her trademark, especially in the early music field, where projects such as "Lamenti" and "Coronation of Poppea" with Gardiner (her "Addio Roma" is nothing short of spectacular) being especially memorable. The lute/theorbo solo pieces are recorded at too low a level, making one having to strain to get the full effect. Yes, the voice doesn't have the bloom it once did, but it's still a gorgeous instrument. I think that those, like myself, who believe in Ms. von Otter's innate artistry and musicality will not be disappointed, so go ahead and purchase it; believe me, you won't be that upset over the few excesses that you'll ultimately be sorry."

A Winter Bouquet

Birdman | Minnetonka, MN USA | 11/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm no huge fan of this singer, except for her operatic performances of Handel and Strauss. For my taste, she has been a bit too dramatic for some material. The voice hoots and scoops at times when we'd rather do without it.



Having said that, the voice here is is in lovely form, and we now have a recital that presents it at its best advantage.



MUSIC FOR AWHILE collects 17+ superb Baroque compositions from Italy, Germany, Spain and England with composers franging from Frescobaldi and Kapsberger, to Strozzi, Purcell and Dowland, and delivers one of the most sensitive, beautifully recorded recitals by any mezzo in many seasons.



Ms. von Otter's back-up players are flawless, with Vinokur on keyboards, Lindberg on theorbo, lute and Baroque guitar, and Ericson on theorbo.

The recording technique and total production convey an intimacy to embrace this special season.



I was surprised by the number of compositions, notably those by Dowland, that the singer delivers from the heart and without excessive embellishment.



I am converted. Five stars plus. A wonderful release, without qualification."

Mellow, but it does have a distraction

OperaOnline.us | Boston, MA | 01/01/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"After receiving this CD a few weeks ago, I have fluctuated between "I like it" and "I don't" back and forth, settling eventually on, I like it - sort of, and can recommend it with the following understandings. First, its technical merit. This is a well produced minimalist approach to Baroque music. The production notes say we should listen to it as we would a recital, and it is well-suited for that atmosphere. The instrumentation is bare bones: harpsichord, chamber organ, theorbo, lute, Baroque guitar. They accompany Ms. von Otter individually in each song and usually never more than one at a time. This is a fine quality recording: clear and even-handed throughout. As for the twenty-one selections, with the exception of Benedetto Ferrari's "Amanti, io vi so dire", the very first song on this otherwise thematic CD, the selections create a mellow mood and maintain that mood throughout. I can't understand how the first cut escaped a final editing, and wondered as I listened to it over and again, what goes through the minds of producers and artists when they review what they have created and don't hear that something is as out of place as this. Nonetheless, I could easily sit with a book and listen to this CD without much distraction, except for the first cut. Anne Sofie von Otter delivers an evenly modulated performance and hints at considerably more power in her voice than she delivers. Her voice has a richness and depth that even when controlled as it was, conveys power. Pull up a seat at King Arthur's Court, sit back, close your eyes and enjoy a fine, minimalist performance in the Baroque tradition that for the most part will not disappoint. PJW"