Experience the golden voice of the late, great Nicolai Gedda, one of the most celebrated operatic tenors of the 20th century, with this exquisite collection spanning his illustrious career from 1960 to 1976. Born in Sweden in 1925, Gedda's Russian-influenced background and Italianate tenor style made him a standout in the world of opera, with a career that lasted over five decades.
This album, released by Bluebell Records, features 17 enchanting tracks that showcase Gedda's remarkable vocal range and artistry. From the hauntingly beautiful "Les nuits d'été" by Hector Berlioz to the poignant "Pelleas et Melisande" by Claude Debussy, each piece is a testament to Gedda's extraordinary talent and his deep connection to the music he performed.
Highlights include the romantic "Beau soir" by Debussy, the lively "Mandoline" by Gabriel Fauré, and the rarely performed "Phidyle" and "Le manoir de Rosemonde." The album also features a unique rendition of "Mes longs cheveux" from Debussy's "Pelleas et Melisande," sung in Swedish, offering a rare glimpse into Gedda's cultural heritage.
With a duration of 1 hour and 10 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of classical and operatic gems, performed by one of the most revered singers in the genre. Whether you're a longtime fan of Nicolai Gedda or a newcomer to his work, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.
2012 Bluebell2012 Bluebell
Tracks
Les nuits d'ete, Op. 7: No. 1. VillanelleHector Berlioz, Nicolai Gedda, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Silvio Varviso
Les nuits d'ete, Op. 7: No. 2. Le Spectre de la roseHector Berlioz, Nicolai Gedda, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Silvio Varviso
Les nuits d'ete, Op. 7: No. 3. Sur les lagunesHector Berlioz, Nicolai Gedda, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Silvio Varviso
Les nuits d'ete, Op. 7: No. 4. AbsenceHector Berlioz, Nicolai Gedda, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Silvio Varviso
Les nuits d'ete, Op. 7: No. 5. Au cimetiereHector Berlioz, Nicolai Gedda, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Silvio Varviso
Les nuits d'ete, Op. 7: No. 6. L'Ile inconnueHector Berlioz, Nicolai Gedda, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Silvio Varviso
Phidyle (version for voice and piano)Henri Duparc, Nicolai Gedda, Jan Eyron
Le manoir de RosemondeHenri Duparc, Nicolai Gedda, Jan Eyron
Chanson triste (version for voice and piano)Henri Duparc, Nicolai Gedda, Jan Eyron
Poeme d'un jour, Op. 21: No. 1. RencontreGabriel Fauré, Nicolai Gedda, Jan Eyron
Poeme d'un jour, Op. 21: No. 2. ToujoursGabriel Fauré, Nicolai Gedda, Jan Eyron
Poeme d'un jour, Op. 21: No. 3. AdieuGabriel Fauré, Nicolai Gedda, Jan Eyron
Beau soirClaude Debussy, Nicolai Gedda, Jan Eyron
MandolineClaude Debussy, Nicolai Gedda, Jan Eyron
Pelleas et Melisande (Pelleas and Melisande), Act III: Mes longs cheveux (Sung in Swedish)Claude Debussy, Nicolai Gedda, Elisabeth Söderström, Kim Borg, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Jean Fournet