Search - Claudio Monteverdi, Antonio Bertali, Giovanni Legrenzi :: Anne Sofie von Otter - Lamenti (Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Purcell, Bertali, Legrenzi) / Goebel

Many fans and at least a few writers call Anne Sofie von Otter the best mezzo-soprano in the world--period. While some of her earliest recording successes were in Bach and Monteverdi, it's her remarkable singing in mainstream concert works and operas from Mozart to Massenet to Mahler that made her world-famous. The music on this disc (mostly from the 17th century) is the oldest von Otter has done in a while--and dedicated early-music lovers might expect that her years in the opera house and recital hall have spoiled her voice for this repertory. (That seemed to be the case with her blustery, oversung Octavia in The Coronation of Poppea.) Well, the first 30 seconds of the breathtaking opening track, Monteverdi's "Con che soavità," should allay those fears quite nicely. This is Emma Kirkby territory--von Otter sounds very different, of course, but every bit as convincing as Kirkby and arguably more sensuous. Similarly, in Vivaldi's cantata "Cessate, omai cessate," von Otter's virtuosity and fire give even Cecilia Bartoli a run for her money. (To these non-native ears, von Otter's Italian diction seems exemplary, as well.) She captures the intense yet dignified grief of the princess Ariadne in Monteverdi's Lamento d'Arianna and the pensive eloquence of Purcell's "O Solitude" equally well. Yet she never fails to blend with the period instruments (exquisitely played by lutenist Jakob Lindberg and Musica Antiqua Köln) and never overwhelms the music. (Her embellishments sound very apt--if not very spontaneous--as well.) This is probably the best solo recording von Otter has ever made--and that's saying a lot. Let it never be said again that this tall, blonde Swede is a cool and dispassionate artist. --Matthew Westphal