Icon: Jussi Bjorling

Jussi Björling, one of the most celebrated tenors of the 20th century, is immortalized in the comprehensive collection "Icon: Jussi Björling." Released on September 22, 2008, this five-disc box set from Warner Classics offers a sweeping overview of Björling's extraordinary career, spanning a duration of 2 hours and 38 minutes. This album is a treasure trove for opera enthusiasts, featuring a rich selection of arias and songs that showcase Björling's unparalleled vocal prowess and artistic versatility.

The album begins with iconic arias from Verdi's operas, including "Celeste Aida" from "Aida" and "La donna è mobile" from "Rigoletto," which highlight Björling's ability to convey both power and tenderness. It also includes beloved pieces from Puccini's repertoire, such as "Che gelida manina" from "La Bohème" and "E lucevan le stelle" from "Tosca," demonstrating Björling's mastery of the Italian operatic style.

Beyond the operatic canon, the collection features a variety of songs and arias from lesser-known works, such as "Mi batte il cor" from "L'Africaine" and "Cielo e mar!" from "La Gioconda," as well as popular Neapolitan songs like "O sole mio" and "Ideale." This diversity underscores Björling's wide-ranging talent and his ability to captivate audiences across different musical genres.

The album also includes remastered versions of some of Björling's most famous recordings, ensuring that the audio quality is as pristine as the performances themselves. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Jussi Björling or a newcomer to his artistry, this collection offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the genius of one of the greatest tenors in operatic history.