Search - Hector Berlioz, Anne-Sofie von Otter, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra :: Anne Sofie von Otter ~ Berlioz - Les nuits d'été / Berlin Phil., Levine

Beautiful Berlioz!

Izolda | North Haven, CT United States | 03/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is a wonderful Berlioz disc from Anne Sofie von Otter, a delight for conoisseurs and a great introduction for those who do not know this glorious music (also for those, who are not under von Otter's spell yet). Enchantment garanteed!"

One of my all time favorites

Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 04/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've loved "Nuits d'Été" since childhood, and this is a sublime performance of it. The peace and beauty of Von Otter's voice has few equals...it's an ethereal take on these exquisite songs...the soaring lament "Sur les Lagunes" is breathtaking.The lesser known pieces for voice and piano (played by Cord Garben) are a joy...and the CD concludes with "Strophes" from "Roméo et Juliette", making this offering from the amazing Von Otter perfection from start to finish.James Levine masterfully conducts the Berlin Philharmonic, the booklet insert contains the poems in French and English ( "Les Nuits d'Été" are poems by Théophile Gautier), and total running time is 63:03.For those only familiar with the "Symphonie Fantastique" kind of Berlioz, treat yourself to his gentle, and by comparison, rarely heard side...these heavenly pieces will delight your ears and your soul, and this inspired performance is hard to beat."

The Leading Contender

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 07/17/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For many years I have believed that Regine Crespin's recording of Berlioz "Les Nuits D'ete" was the definitive interpretation. The fact that French is her native language added to that belief. Then along comes this sensual, beautifully rendered and re-thought performance by the impeccable Anne Sofie von Otter and the crown passes to a new head. The beauty of tone, the perfection of pitch, and the quality of mystery (especially in 'Le Spectre de la Rose') is wondrous. And as if this song cycle alone weren't enough for the price of the CD, she adds Berlioz melodies and the 'Strophes' from his "Romeo and Juliette". Sheer vocal luxury. The collaborations with Levine and Berin Philaharmonic as well as the piano of Cord Garben are first rate. Even if you have a favorite artist for these endlessly beautiful songs, listen to this wonder!"