Experience the golden voice of Swedish tenor Jussi Björling in this captivating recital, recorded live in 1959 and released on December 1, 2014, by MYTO Historical. Spanning a little over an hour and eighteen minutes, this album is a testament to Björling's enduring legacy as one of the 20th century's most celebrated operatic singers. The tracklist is a stunning display of Björling's vocal prowess, featuring arias from beloved operas and art songs that showcase his remarkable range and expressive depth.
The album opens with the enchanting "Ombra mai fu" from Handel's "Xerxes," followed by a selection of German lieder by Schubert and Schumann. Björling's performance of "La fleur que tu m'avais jetée" from Bizet's "Carmen" is a highlight, demonstrating his ability to convey both passion and tenderness. The recital also includes duets with his wife, soprano Anna-Lisa, from Puccini's "La Bohème" and Gounod's "Roméo et Juliette," adding a personal touch to the performance.
Fans of opera will delight in Björling's renditions of arias from Verdi's "Rigoletto" and "Don Carlo," as well as Puccini's "Turandot" and "La Bohème." The album also features selections from less-performed works, such as Giordano's "Andrea Chénier" and Massenet's "Manon," showcasing Björling's versatility and mastery of the operatic repertoire.
Jussi Björling's "Jussi Björling Recital" is not just a collection of songs but a journey through the operatic canon, performed by one of the most beloved tenors of all time. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to the artistry of Jussi Björling.
2014 MYTO Historical2014 MYTO Historical
Tracks
Serse (Xerxes), HWV 40, Act I: Frondi tenere … Ombra mai fu, "Largo"George Frideric Handel, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
Fruhlingsglaube, Op. 20, No. 2, D. 686Franz Schubert, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
Die Forelle, D. 550Franz Schubert, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
Desiderio - Schwanengesang, D. 957: Schwanengesang, D. 957: No. 4. Standchen (Serenade)Franz Schubert, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
3 Lieder, Op. 29, TrV 172: No. 1. Traum durch die DammerungRichard Strauss, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
8 Gedichte aus Letzte Blatter, Op. 10, TrV 141: No. 1. ZueignungRichard Strauss, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
Carmen: Carmen: Act II: La fleur que tu m'avais jetee, "Flower Song"Georges Bizet, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
Fedora: Fedora, Act II: Amor ti vietaUmberto Giordano, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
12 Songs, Op. 21: No. 5. Siren' (Lilacs)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
6 Songs, Op. 4: No. 3. V molchan'i nochi taynoy (In the Silence of the Secret Night)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
7 Dikter, Op. 28: No. 6. Skogen sofver (The Forest Asleep)Hugo Alfvén, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
I drommen du ar mig naraEmil Sjögren, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
3 Sanger, Op. 10: No. 1. Jomfruen under lindWilhelm Peterson-Berger, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
6 Poems, Op. 25: No. 2. En Svane (A Swan)Edvard Grieg, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
6 Songs, Op. 48: No. 6. Ein TraumEdvard Grieg, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
TonernaCarl Leopold Sjöberg, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
Andrea Chenier, Act IV: Come un bel di di maggioUmberto Giordano, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
La boheme, Act I: Che gelida manina!Giacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
Turandot, Act III: Nessun dorma!Giacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Frederick Schauwecker
Messa da Requiem: Dies irae: IngemiscoGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, AVRO Hilversum Orkest, Frieder Weissmann
La boheme, Act I: O soave fanciullaGiacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Anna-Lisa Björling, San Francisco Opera Orchestra, Gaetano Merola
Romeo et Juliette, Act IV: Va! Je t'ai pardonne … Nuit d'hymeneeCharles Gounod, Jussi Björling, Anna-Lisa Björling, San Francisco Opera Orchestra, Gaetano Merola
Manon: Manon, Act III: Je suis seul! … Ah! fuyez, douce imageJules Massenet, Jussi Björling, Anna-Lisa Björling, San Francisco Opera Orchestra, Gaetano Merola
Jussi Björling, born Johan Jonatan Björling, was a Swedish tenor celebrated as one of the most renowned operatic singers of the 20th century. His powerful and versatile voice captivated audiences worldwide, particularly at the prestigious Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Björling's repertoire spanned Italian, French, and Russian operas, each performed with exquisite taste and mastery. His performances at major European opera houses, including the Royal Opera House in London and La Scala in Milan, further cemented his status as a true vocal virtuoso. Björling's legacy endures as a testament to his extraordinary talent and enduring impact on the world of opera.
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Jussi Björling
