Jussi Björling, one of the most celebrated tenors of the 20th century, delivers a captivating performance in "Björling Sings Verdi & Puccini," released on January 1, 2003, under the Urania label. This operatic masterpiece spans a concise yet impactful duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, showcasing Björling's unparalleled vocal prowess and emotional depth.
The album features a stunning collection of arias and songs from the iconic composers Giuseppe Verdi and Giacomo Puccini. Björling's renditions of classics such as "La donna è mobile" from "Rigoletto," "Nessun dorma" from "Turandot," and "Che gelida manina" from "La Bohème" are nothing short of breathtaking. His ability to convey the essence of each character and the depth of the music is evident in every note.
Björling's performance is not just a display of technical brilliance but also a testament to his artistic sensitivity. The album includes both Italian and Swedish renditions, highlighting Björling's versatility and linguistic prowess. The inclusion of pieces from "Messa da Requiem" adds a sacred and solemn dimension to the collection, showcasing Björling's range and depth.
This album is a must-listen for opera enthusiasts and those looking to explore the rich tapestry of Verdi and Puccini's compositions. Björling's voice, with its clarity, power, and emotional resonance, brings a new dimension to these timeless pieces. Whether you are a seasoned opera lover or a newcomer to the genre, "Björling Sings Verdi & Puccini" offers an unforgettable journey through some of the most beloved works in the operatic canon.
(C) 2003 Urania
Tracks
Rigoletto: O, I kvinnor / Questa o quellaGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
Rigoletto: È il sol dell'animaGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
Rigoletto: Ack, som ett fjun så lätt / La donna è mobileGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
Rigoletto: La donna è mobileGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
Il trovatore: Skyhögt mot himlenGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
Il trovatore: Ah sì, ben mio…Di quella piraGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
Un ballo in maschera: Di' tu se fedeleGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
Aida: Celeste AidaGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
Messa da Requiem: IngemiscoGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
La Bohème: Che gelida maninaGiacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
Tosca: Det sköna står att finna / Recondita armoniaGiacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
Tosca: Recondita armoniaGiacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
Tosca: Jag minns stjärnorna liste / E lucean le stelleGiacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
Tosca: E lucean le stelleGiacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
La fanciulla del West: Ch'ella mi credaGiacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
Turandot: Nessun dorma!Giacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Nils Grevillius, Stockholm Radio Orchestra
La forza del destino: Solenne in quest'oraGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, Erno Rapee, General Motors Orchestra
Messa da Requiem: IngemiscoGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, Frieder Weissmann, Hilversum AVRO Orchestra
La Bohème: Che gelida maninaGiacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Frieder Weissmann, Hilversum AVRO Orchestra