Experience the golden age of opera with Jussi Björling in Two Puccini Operas, a stunning collection of live performances from the Metropolitan Opera, featuring the legendary Swedish tenor Jussi Björling in two of Giacomo Puccini's most beloved operas, "La Bohème" and "Manon Lescaut." This album captures the essence of live opera, with all its spontaneity and excitement, and showcases Björling's remarkable vocal prowess and dramatic intensity.
Recorded in 1948 and 1956, these performances are a testament to Björling's enduring appeal and his status as one of the 20th century's most celebrated singers. In "La Bohème," Björling stars as Rodolfo, the passionate poet, opposite the enchanting Mimi of Bidú Sayão. The cast also includes Frank Valentino as Marcello, Mimi Benzell as Musetta, and George Cehanovsky as Schaunard, among others. The 1956 performance of "Manon Lescaut" pairs Björling with the renowned soprano Licia Albanese in the title role, with Frank Guarrera as Lescaut and Fernando Corena as Geronte.
The album features a total of 72 tracks, spanning nearly three hours of music, and includes brief intros and radio commentary by the legendary Milton Cross. The sound quality is excellent, given the age of the recordings, and the performances are thrilling, with Björling's soaring tenor and impeccable technique shining throughout. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2011 West Hill Radio Archives2011 West Hill Radio Archives
Tracks
La boheme: Act I: Questo Mar Rosso (Marcello, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Pensier profondo! (Colline, Marcello, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Legna! … Sigari! (Rodolfo, Marcello, Colline, Schaunard)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Si puo? … Che e la? (Benoit, Marcello, Schaunard, Colline, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Io resto per terminar (Rodolfo, Marcelo, Colline, Schaunard)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Non sono in vena (Mimi, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Oh! sventata, sventata! (Mimi, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Che gelida manina (Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Si. Mi chiamano Mimi (Mimi, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Ehi! Rodolfo! (Schaunard, Colline, Marcello, Rodolfo, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: O soave fanciulla (Rodolfo, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act II: Aranci, datteri! (Street Sellers, Students)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act II: Chi guardi? (Rodolfo, Colline, Mimi, Schaunard, Marcello, Chorus, Parpignol)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act II: Viva Parpignol! (Chorus, Marcello, Mimi, Schaunard, Colline, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act II: Domandatelo a me (Marcello, Musetta, Alcindoro, Colline, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act II: Quando men vo (Musetta, Marcello, Alcindoro, Mimi, Rodolfo, Schaunard, Colline)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act II: Chi l'ha richiesto? (Colline, Schaunard, Rodolfo, Chorus, Marcello, Musetta, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
Brief intro by Milton Crossna Not Applicable, Milton Cross
La boheme: Act III: Ohe, la, le guardie Aprite! (Chorus)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act III: Sa dirmi, scusi, qual' e l'osteria (Mimi, Sergeant)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act III: Mimi! … Speravo di trovarvi qui (Marcello, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act III: Marcello. Finalmente! (Rodolfo, Marcello, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act III: Mimi e una civetta (Rodolfo, Marcello)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act III: Mimi e tanto malata! (Rodolfo, Marcello, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act III: Addio … D'onde lieta usci al tuo grido (Mimi, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act III: Dunque e proprio finita! (Rodolfo, Mimi, Marcello, Musetta)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
Brief intro by Milton Crossna Not Applicable, Milton Cross
La boheme: Act IV: In un coupe? (Marcello, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act IV: O Mimi, tu piu non torni (Rodolfo, Marcello)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act IV: Gavotta (Colline, Marcello, Rodolfo, Schaunard)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act IV: C'e Mimi (Marcello, Musetta, Rodolfo, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act IV: Vecchia zimarra (Colline, Schaunard)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act IV: Sono andati? Fingevo di dormire (Mimi, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act IV: Dorme? … Riposa (Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
Radio commentary by Milton Crossna Not Applicable, Milton Cross
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Ave, sera gentile (Edmondo, Chorus, Des Grieux)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: L'amo? … L'amor?! (Edmondo)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Tra voi, belle, brune e bionde (Des Grieux, Chorus)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Ma bravo! (Edmondo, Chorus)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Discendono, vediam! (Chorus, Edmondo, Lescaut, Des Grieux, Geronte)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Cortese damigella, il priego mio acettate (Des Grieux, Manon, Lescaut)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Donna non vidi mai (Des Grieux)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: La tua ventura (Chorus, Edmondo, Geronte, Lescaut)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: La tua Propsperina (Edmondo, Des Grieux)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Vedete? lo'son 'fedele (Manon, Des Grieux)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Di sedur la sorellina (Geronte, Edmondo)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Radio commentary by Milton Crossna Not Applicable, Milton Cross
Manon Lescaut: Act II: Dispettosetto questo riccio! (Manon, Lescaut)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act II: In quelle trine morbide (Manon)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act II: Poiche … tu vuoi saper (Lescaut, Manon)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Giacomo Puccini, born in the charming town of Lucca in 1858, is celebrated as one of the most renowned composers in the history of opera. Hailing from a family of musicians, Puccini's early works were steeped in the romantic traditions of Italian opera, but he soon became a leading figure in the verismo style, known for its gritty realism and emotional intensity. His operas, including the beloved "La Bohème," "Tosca," "Madama Butterfly," and the unfinished "Turandot," are renowned for their dramatic plots and deeply moving music. Puccini's untimely death in 1924 left the world in shock, but his legacy endures, with his works remaining staples of the operatic repertoire. His compositions continue to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing his unparalleled ability to blend passion, drama, and musical innovation.