Anne Sofie von Otter, the mezzo-soprano on this album, has a wide repertoire, including collaborations with pop legend Elvis Costello and jazz pianist Brad Mehldau.
Historical Context
New printing techniques in the early 19th century facilitated the publication of sheet music, creating a market among the growing urban middle class for popular songs.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Adolf Fredrik Lindblad and Erik Gustaf Geijer wrote their songs specifically for domestic social events, often using their own salons as a stage.
Composer Biography
Franz Berwald, unlike Lindblad and Geijer, sought stage performances for his music, while August Söderman established himself in theatre and choral compositions.
Composer Biography
Adolf Fredrik Lindblad was often called 'the Swedish Schubert' due to his ability to deepen the meaning of a poem through his musical settings.
Historical Context
The songs on this album were written during a period when making music at home was a fundamental part of musical life in Sweden.
Critical Reception
Franz Berwald's song "Den 4. juli 1844 - Konung Oscar" was a birthday present for Swedish King Oscar I, but its public performance was not very successful, with one critic suggesting Berwald was better at instrumental music.
