Experience the golden voice of the legendary Jussi Björling in this captivating live album, "Jussi Björling Live! (1939, 1954)." This collection, released on April 1, 2012, by Bluebell, offers a rare opportunity to hear one of the 20th century's most celebrated tenors in his prime, performing a diverse range of opera arias and songs that showcase his extraordinary vocal prowess.
Spanning nearly 50 minutes, this album features 13 tracks recorded during two significant periods in Björling's career. The first set of recordings, from 1939, captures the young tenor at the height of his powers, while the 1954 recordings showcase his mature artistry. The album includes beloved arias from operas such as "Carmen," "Faust," and "La bohème," as well as lesser-known but equally stunning pieces like "L' Africaine" and "Hjertets melodier."
Accompanied by the Hilversum Radio Orchestra, the Bergen Symphony Orchestra, and conducted by Carl von Garaguly, Björling's performances are nothing short of breathtaking. His rich, velvety tone and impeccable technique are on full display, making this album a treasure trove for opera enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike. Whether you're a longtime fan of Jussi Björling or discovering his voice for the first time, this live album is a testament to his enduring legacy and the timeless beauty of his artistry.
2012 Bluebell2012 Bluebell
Tracks
Messa da Requiem: Dies irae: IngemiscoGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, Hilversum Radio Orchestra, Frieder Weissmann
L' Africaine (The African Maid), Act IV: Mi batte il cor … O paradisoGiacomo Meyerbeer, Jussi Björling, Hilversum Radio Orchestra, Frieder Weissmann
Carmen: Carmen, Act II: Flower Song: La fleur que tu mavais jeteeGeorges Bizet, Jussi Björling, Hilversum Radio Orchestra, Frieder Weissmann
Manon: Manon, Act II: En fermant les yeuxJules Massenet, Jussi Björling, Hilversum Radio Orchestra, Frieder Weissmann
Faust: Faust, Act III: Salut! Demeure chaste et pureCharles Gounod, Jussi Björling, Hilversum Radio Orchestra, Frieder Weissmann
La boheme, Act I: Che gelida manina!Giacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Hilversum Radio Orchestra, Frieder Weissmann
Serse (Xerxes), HWV 40, Act I: Frondi tenere e belle … Ombra mai fu, "Largo"George Frideric Handel, Jussi Björling, Bergen Symphony Orchestra, Carl von Garaguly
Pieta, SignoreLouis Niedermeyer, Jussi Björling, Bergen Symphony Orchestra, Carl von Garaguly
Messa da Requiem: Dies irae: IngemiscoGiuseppe Verdi, Jussi Björling, Bergen Symphony Orchestra, Carl von Garaguly
7 Dikter, Op. 28: No. 6. Skogen sofver (The Forest sleeps)Hugo Alfvén, Jussi Björling, Bergen Symphony Orchestra, Carl von Garaguly
6 Songs, Op. 36: No. 4. Sav, sav, susa (Reed, reed, rustle)Jean Sibelius, Jussi Björling, Bergen Symphony Orchestra, Carl von Garaguly
6 Poems, Op. 25: No. 2. En Svane (A Swan)Edvard Grieg, Jussi Björling, Bergen Symphony Orchestra, Carl von Garaguly
Hjertets melodier (Melodies of the Heart), Op. 5: No. 3. Jeg elsker Dig (I Love but Thee)Edvard Grieg, Jussi Björling, Bergen Symphony Orchestra, Carl von Garaguly