Melodies: Von Otter(Ms)Forsberg(P)Etc

This album was nominated for the 2002 Grammy Award for Best Classical
Vocal Performance.
Anne Sofie von Otter's marvelous voice and profound musicianship alone are worth the price of admission into any project with which she's involved. Perhaps more valuable still is her exploratory nature, which results in rewarding journeys that travel off the beaten musical path and lead to remarkable discoveries and revelations such as MOTS D'AMOUR. The album is devoted to the music of the French composer Cecile Chaminade and offers a fascinating glimpse of some sadly neglected belle epoque repertoire. Chaminade enjoyed a fair measure of popularity during her lifetime, however her work faded into obscurity owing to shifts in musical tastes and the prevailing attitude at the time toward women composers. The disc focuses on her small-scale works, in particular the melodies. These songs, most recorded for the first time, are full of charm, elegance, and wit and are given vibrant readings by von Otter. Bengt Forsberg, credited with introducing these works to the singer, handles the well-crafted piano accompaniments with aplomb. The disc also includes three pieces for violin and piano and three equally delightful works for two pianos. Von Otter deserves high praise for so brilliantly bringing these musical treasures to light.