Search - Jacques Offenbach, Marc Minkowski, Les Musiciens du Louvre :: Anne Sofie von Otter sings Offenbach

A Bright Voice, Delightful Music, and Hilarious Delivery

N. Cardon | Chicago, IL | 06/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a relative newcomer and amateur in opera. Right now, I particulary enjoy buying CDs of sopranos, and I decided to "try" Ms. Von Otter. Was I blown away. My favorite on this CD is the "Sextuor de l'Alphabet" (the Alphabet Sextet). I had to laugh the first time I heard this. I have a cursory grasp of French, and so caught a word hear or there. It was funny without the context. But after reading the English translation of the lyrics, my funny bone was tickled even more. This whole CD makes clear the reason that Offenbach was such a popular composer, a composer for the masses.Anne Sofie von Otter has also found her way into my classical heart, and I intend to get to know her voice better. Her dramatic interpretation is wonderful, and could even be compared to Maria Callas' flair for drama.I highly recommend this CD."

Rare Offenbach Muisc is a Real Gem

Timothy Kearney | Hull, MA United States | 03/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jacques Offenbach was a composer who was popular in his day, but his music was not taken all that seriously by more serious composers. After his death, much of his music went into obscurity. Some of the overtures to his operettas survived, as did LA BELLE HELENE and his opera THE TALES OF HOFFMAN, but to this day he is under performed to say the least. While some of his music was adapted for the ballet Gaite Parisienne, if we look at his musical output, all that is remembered of this composer is all relatively small. This is perhaps why this recording by Anne Sophie Von Otter and Les Musiciens du Louvre is such a goldmine.The disc contains scenes from some Offenbach operettas such as LA BELLE HELENE, LA GRANDE DUCHESSE DE GEROLSTEIN, and LE PERICOLE as well as some of his lesser known works. While most of the music showcases Ms. Von Otter's talent, she is also accompanied by other soloists and a chorus, all of whom perform exceptionally well. Listeners are not only exposed to lesser known works of this composer, but also to the composer's many talents. When we listen to this music, it is not too much of a stretch to see how he could create the masterpiece of TALES OF HOFFMAN (yes, the barcarolle is included). Certainly people who enjoy this recording will hope that there are revivals of other Offenbach operettas on stage and maybe studio recordings so this great composer can finally have his due."

Good singing *if you like this repertoire*

M. A COMBRINK | Cape Town, South Africa | 08/02/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I have always enjoyed Frederica von Stade's Offenbach recital, and was looking forward to von Otter, as she'd proved such a charmer in Kurt Weill and other popular music theatre works. Her liedersinging experience gives her the edge over many in this repertoire. Simply put, I can not imagine many singers doing a better job than von Otter in this repertoire. Perhaps the aria from "La Belle Helene" has a touch more pathos sung by Jessye Norman.



My problem is with the repertoire. If you know the music of Offenbach, then you know what you are getting. If you are unfamiliar with the French version of the Viennese Operetta, then it would be wise to listen to this disc first. I simply do not care much for it. Therefore the three stars. Advertising has claimed this to be "a revelation of Offenbach in all his many guises" but to me it was more of the same old Offenbach.



However, if you enjoy this music, this is an excellent choice. Also do not miss Susan Graham's disc of lighter French music."