Fagerlund: Hostsonaten (Autumn Sonata) – Anne Sofie Von Otter

   in Opera Now (Nov, 2018)
Two valium, two Mogadon. That’s usually enough,’ sings a character in Sebastian Fagerlund’s Höstsonaten, set to a Swedish libretto by Gunilla Hemming. Alternatively, you could give the pills a miss and just listen to two hours of existential angst, and good luck if you make it through the second CD.

The opera is based on Ingmar Bergman’s 1978 film Autumn Sonata, which will already deter some but enthuse others, and uses a tightened plotline focusing on the relationships of concert pianist Charlotte, returning home after a long absence to reconnect with her two daughters. Recorded live at Finnish National Opera during its premiere run last year, it is in some …