Immerse yourself in the rich, operatic heritage of Sweden with Olle Bjorling's "The Björling Family: Four Singing Brothers & Two Ladies." Released on April 1, 2012, under the Bluebell label, this album is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of Sweden's most celebrated vocal families. Spanning a captivating 74 minutes, this collection showcases a diverse array of arias and songs, each performed with the distinctive charm and technical brilliance that Olle Bjorling is renowned for.
The album opens with "Sommarglädje: I." and "Morgon (Morning)," setting a serene and uplifting tone that carries through to the more dramatic pieces. Bjorling's rendition of "Che gelida manina!" from Puccini's "La bohème" is a standout, showcasing his ability to convey both tenderness and passion. The inclusion of Swedish-language performances, such as "Ange adorable" from "Romeo et Juliette," adds a unique cultural touch, highlighting Bjorling's versatility and connection to his roots.
From the fiery intensity of "Mamma, quel vino e generoso" from "Cavalleria rusticana" to the haunting beauty of "O mio babbino caro" from "Gianni Schicchi," Bjorling's voice shines with a remarkable range and depth. The album also features lesser-known gems like "Aeneas i Cartago" and "Värmlänningarna," offering a glimpse into the broader spectrum of Bjorling's repertoire.
"The Björling Family: Four Singing Brothers & Two Ladies" is not just an album; it's a celebration of Olle Bjorling's artistry and the enduring influence of his family's musical legacy. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection promises a rewarding and enchanting listening experience.
2012 Bluebell2012 Bluebell
Tracks
Sommarglädje: I.Traditional, Olle Bjorling, Jussi Björling, Gosta Bjorling, Studio pianist
Morgon (Morning): MorgonEjnar Eklöf, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Nils Grevillius
TonernaCarl Leopold Sjöberg, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Nils Grevillius
La bohème, Act I: Che gelida manina!Giacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Nils Grevillius
Carmen, WD 31, Act II: Flower Song. La fleur que tu m'avais jeteeGeorges Bizet, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Nils Grevillius
Romeo et Juliette, Act I: Ange adorable (Sung in Swedish) [Sung in Swedish]Charles Gounod, Hjordis Schymberg, Jussi Björling, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Nils Grevillius
Cavalleria rusticana: Mamma, quel vino e generosoPietro Mascagni, Jussi Björling, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Stig Westerberg
Manon Lescaut, Act I: Donna non vidi mai simile a questa!Giacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, Stig Westerberg
Värmlänningarna: Jag sjunger och dansarAndreas Randel, Gosta Bjorling, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Stig Westerberg
Aeneas i Cartago: O Gudar! Styrken migJoseph Martin Kraus, Gosta Bjorling, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Lars-Erik Larsson
Prodaná nevesta, Act II: Ma maticka povidala (Sung in Swedish)Bedřich Smetana, Gosta Bjorling, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Leo Blech
Lucia di Lammermoor, Act II: Chi mi frena in tal momentoGaetano Donizetti, Gosta Bjorling, Eva Prytz, Bette Björling, Arne Wiren, Erik Saeden, Kim Borg, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Stig Rybrant
Les pecheurs de perles (the Pearl Fishers), Act I: Au fond du temple saintGeorges Bizet, Gosta Bjorling, Erik Saeden, Swedish Radio Orchestra, Stig Rybrant
Goodbye (Addio)Francesco Paolo Tosti, Gosta Bjorling, Åke Jelving
I rosens doftPrins Gustaf, Olle Bjorling, Studio ensemble, William Lind