Experience the golden voice of Jussi Björling in this captivating collection of Swedish Radio Concerts, spanning the years 1945 to 1958. This album is a treasure trove for opera enthusiasts and fans of classical vocal artistry, featuring the legendary tenor in a variety of arias and songs that showcase his remarkable range and expressive power.
The album kicks off with a selection of songs from Björling's native Sweden, including works by renowned composers such as Wilhelm Peterson-Berger and Hugo Alfvén. These pieces offer a glimpse into the rich musical heritage of Sweden and Björling's deep connection to his roots. From the haunting beauty of "Säv, säv, susa" to the stirring patriotism of "Sverige," these songs are performed with a sensitivity and nuance that only Jussi Björling could deliver.
The album then transitions into a stunning array of opera arias, showcasing Björling's prowess in the world of grand opera. From the passionate outpourings of Puccini's "Manon Lescaut" to the tender love song of Bizet's "Carmen," each aria is a masterclass in vocal technique and dramatic interpretation. Björling's ability to convey the full spectrum of human emotion is on full display, making this collection a true testament to his artistry.
The album also features works by other great composers, including Verdi, Leoncavallo, and Wagner, sung in Swedish. Björling's command of the language and his ability to infuse each phrase with meaning and depth are truly remarkable. Whether he is singing the soaring melodies of "Lohengrin" or the heart-wrenching lament of "Mamma, quel vino è generoso," Björling's voice soars above all else, leaving an indelible impression on the listener.
Recorded live with the Swedish Radio Orchestra and the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, this album captures the electrifying energy of Björling's performances, making it a thrilling listen from start to finish. The album is a testament to Björling's enduring legacy as one of the greatest tenors of all time, and it is sure to delight both longtime fans and newcomers to his music.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 9 minutes, this album is a comprehensive introduction to the artistry of Jussi Björling, featuring 18 tracks that span his illustrious career. Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a casual listener, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be transported to a world of pure vocal bliss with Jussi Björling's Swedish Radio Concerts.
2012 Bluebell2012 Bluebell
Tracks
6 Songs, Op. 36 (text by G. Froding and E. Josephson): No. 4. Sav, sav, susa (Reed, reed, rustle)Jean Sibelius, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Georg Ludwig Jochum
6 Songs, Op. 36 (text by G. Froding and E. Josephson): No. 1. Svarta rosor (Black Roses)Jean Sibelius, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Georg Ludwig Jochum
4 Lieder, Op. 27, TrV 170: No. 4. MorgenRichard Strauss, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Georg Ludwig Jochum
6 Lieder, Op. 17, TrV 149: No. 2. StandchenRichard Strauss, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Georg Ludwig Jochum
Carmen: Carmen, Act II: Flower Song: La fleur que tu m'avais jeteeGeorges Bizet, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Georg Ludwig Jochum
Cavalleria rusticana: Mamma, quel vino e generosoPietro Mascagni, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Georg Ludwig Jochum
Manon Lescaut, Act I: Donna non vidi mai simile a questa!Giacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Georg Ludwig Jochum
Manon: Manon, Act III: Je suis seul! … Ah! fuyez, douce imageJules Massenet, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Tor Mann
ElegieJules Massenet, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Tor Mann
Les pecheurs de perles (The Pearl Fishers), Act I: Je crois entendre encore, cache sous les palmiersGeorges Bizet, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Tor Mann
L'elisir d'amore (The Elixir of Love), Act II: Una furtiva lagrimaGaetano Donizetti, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Tor Mann
L'arlesiana, Act II: E la solita storiaFrancesco Cilea, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Tor Mann
Lohengrin, Act III: In fernem Land, unnahbar eu'ren Schritten (Sung in Swedish)Richard Wagner, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Sten Frykberg
Trollsjon (The Enchanted Lake)August Söderman, Jussi Björling, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Stig Westerberg
Kung Heimer och Aslog (King Heimer and Aslog)August Söderman, Jussi Björling, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Stig Westerberg
4 Visor i folkton (4 Folk Ballads), Op. 5: No. 1. Nar jag for mig sjalv i morka skogen gar (When I Walk Alone in the Dark Forest)Wilhelm Peterson-Berger, Jussi Björling, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Stig Westerberg
4 Visor i folkton (4 Folk Ballads), Op. 5: No. 4. Bland skogens hoga furustammar (Among the High Fir-Trees in the Forest)Wilhelm Peterson-Berger, Jussi Björling, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Stig Westerberg
Ett folk, Op. 22: No. 2. Sverige (Sweden)Wilhelm Stenhammar, Jussi Björling, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Stig Westerberg