Album: Anne Sofie von Otter, Ombre De Mon Amant (Deutsche Grammophon)

Performed with period ensemble Les Arts Florissants, Ombre De Mon Amant reflects mezzo-soprano Anne Sofie von Otter's affection for the airs of the French Baroque.

As the titular anti-heroine of Charpentier's Médée, she plumbs the depths of villainous tragedy with an energetic relish. But it's the pastoral airs by Michel Lambert which provide the greatest pleasure, particularly "Ma bergère est tendre et fidèle", a lilting dance of voice and harpsichord, and "Ombre de mon amant", a sombre air accompanied by viola da gamba, in which Von Otter's limpid tones melt away in the final bars.

Download this Ombre de mon amant; Quel prix de mon amour; Ma bergère est tendre et fidèle