Immerse yourself in the rich, powerful vocals of the legendary Jussi Björling with "The Jussi Björling Series: Cavalleria Rusticana - Pagliacci." This captivating album, released on April 1, 2012, under the Bluebell label, showcases Björling's extraordinary talent in the realm of opera, spanning a impressive duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The album is a stunning collection of two iconic operas: Pietro Mascagni's "Cavalleria Rusticana" and Ruggero Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci." Björling's rendition of "Cavalleria Rusticana" is a masterclass in operatic storytelling, with standout tracks like "O Lola ch'ai di latti fior di spino" and the dramatic "Intermezzo." The album also features "Pagliacci" sung in Swedish, offering a unique perspective on this classic opera, with highlights including the intense "Recitar! Mentre preso dal..." and the poignant "Voi lo sapete."
Jussi Björling, often hailed as one of the greatest tenors of the 20th century, brings his signature warmth, clarity, and dramatic intensity to these performances. His voice, with its distinctive timbre and remarkable range, is perfectly suited to the passionate and dramatic roles in these operas. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to Björling's artistry and the enduring appeal of these operatic masterpieces.
2012 Bluebell2012 Bluebell
Tracks
Cavalleria rusticana: PreludePietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Cavalleria rusticana: O Lola ch'ai di latti fior di spino, "Siciliana" (Turiddu)Pietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Cavalleria rusticana: Gli aranci olezzano (Chorus)Pietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Cavalleria rusticana: Dite, Mamma Lucia (Santuzza, Lucia)Pietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Cavalleria rusticana: Il cavallo scalpita (Alfio, Chorus)Pietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Cavalleria rusticana: Beato voi, compar Alfio … Regina Coelu, laetare (Lucia, Alfio, Santuzza Chorus, Santuzza)Pietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Cavalleria rusticana: Perche m'hai fatto segno … Voi lo sapete (Santuzza, Lucia)Pietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Cavalleria rusticana: Tu qui, Santuzza? … Fior di giaggiolo (Turiddu, Santuzza, Lola)Pietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Cavalleria rusticana: Ah! lo vedi, che hai tu detto … Turiddu, ascolta! (Turiddu, Santuzza)Pietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Cavalleria rusticana: Oh! il Signore vi manda … Il ver (Santuzza, Alfio)Pietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Cavalleria rusticana: IntermezzoPietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Cavalleria rusticana: A casa, a casa, amici, ove ci aspettano (Chorus, Turiddu, Lola)Pietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Cavalleria rusticana: Intanto amici, qua … Viva il vino (Turiddu, Chorus)Pietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Cavalleria rusticana: A voi tutti, salute! … Compar Turiddu (Alfio, Chorus, Turiddu)Pietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Cavalleria rusticana: Mamma, mamma! Quel vino e generoso (Turiddu, Lucia)Pietro Mascagni, Aase Nordmo Løvberg, Jussi Björling, Bette Björling, Margit Sehlmark, Georg Svedenbrant, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Prologue: God dag, det är jagRuggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act I: Nu är de här (Chorus, Canio)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act I: Välkomma mitt herrskap hit klockan (Canio, Chorus, Tonio, Beppe)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act I: Sådant gyckel (Canio, Nedda, Chorus)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act I: Ding dong, ding dong (Chorus)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act I: Hur vilt hans ögon lyste … Hör, därovanfrån (Nedda)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act I: Är det du? Jag trodde (Nedda, Tonio)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act I: Nedda! Silvio! I denna timma (Silvio, Nedda)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act I: Nu du besluta skall … Ack! Fresta ej (Nedda, Silvio, Tonio)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act I: Säg mig, då varför (Silvio, Nedda)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act I: Sakta, försiktigt, de dem överraskar (Tonio, Silvio, Nedda, Canio, Beppe)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act I: Spela komedi! Pudra ditt anlet (Canio)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act I: IntermezzoRuggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act II: Oha! Oha! Skynda (Chrous, Tonio, Beppe, Silvio, Nedda)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act II: The Play: Pajazzo, min make … Oh! Colombin (Nedda, Beppe)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act II: The Play: Att vårt bestämda tecknet göra (Nedda, Tonio, Chorus, Beppe)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act II: The Play: Låt oss äta (Nedda, Beppe, Tonio)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act II: The Play: Vid alla helgon! … En man var har hos dig (Canio, Nedda, Tonio)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act II: The Play: Jag är ej Pajazzo (Canio, Chorus, Silvio, Nedda)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
Pagliacci (Sung in Swedish): Act II: The Play: Bevars för sådan bagatell (Nedda, Canio, Beppe, Tonio, Silvio, Chorus)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ruth Moberg, Jussi Björling, Arne Ohlson, Erik Sundquist, Carl-Axel Hallgren, Stockholm Royal Opera Chorus, Stockholm Royal Opera Orchestra, Kurt Bendix
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.