A surprisingly warm and inviting holiday album from the esteemed Swedish mezzo-soprano, moving beyond the recital hall to embrace gospel and popular song.
- Von Otter's previous album for Deutsche Grammophon was a collection of songs by Witold Lutosławski. She would later release a highly acclaimed album of songs by Edvard Grieg in 2006. This release features a guest appearance by country singer/songwriter Lyle Lovett on "Shelter from the Storm."
- This was von Otter's first album dedicated to Christmas music. The album reached number 16 on the Swedish classical charts. The repertoire ranges from traditional carols to gospel standards and songs by ABBA and Lyle Lovett.
- The album was produced by David W. R. Johnson, whose previous work includes albums with Arve Tellefsen and Barbara Hendricks. Von Otter's collaborators on the album include the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Goldman Brass. The album was recorded in Stockholm's Berwald Hall.
Anne Sofie von Otter is a Swedish Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano highly regarded for her interpretations of opera, lieder, and mélodie. She is particularly celebrated for her work in both Baroque and 20th-century repertoire, as well as her collaborations with contemporary composers. In 1999, von Otter released "Home for Christmas," a collection of Christmas songs that ventured beyond her typical classical offerings. This album marked a notable exploration of gospel and popular song genres, showcasing her versatility.
Tracklist
