Experience the golden age of opera with Jussi Björling, one of the most celebrated tenors of the 20th century, in this captivating live album. Recorded during concerts in Stockholm and Atalanta, this collection showcases Björling's extraordinary vocal prowess and artistry across a diverse repertoire of operatic arias and art songs.
The album opens with the enchanting aria "Ombra mai fu" from Handel's "Serse," setting the stage for a journey through beloved works by composers such as Schubert, Puccini, Verdi, and Strauss. Björling's velvety tone and impeccable technique shine in iconic pieces like "Che gelida manina" from "La Bohème," "Nessun dorma" from "Turandot," and "Una furtiva lacrima" from "L'elisir d'amore." His interpretations are both technically brilliant and deeply expressive, offering a glimpse into the magic that made him a legend in the world of opera.
In addition to his operatic prowess, Björling's art song repertoire is equally impressive. He effortlessly navigates through works by Schubert, Rachmaninoff, and Strauss, demonstrating his versatility and musical sensitivity. Highlights include "Frühlingsglaube," "Die Forelle," and the hauntingly beautiful "Siren' (Lilacs)."
Accompanied by the Swedish Radio Orchestra and conducted by Sten Frykberg, Björling's performances are brought to life with rich orchestration and sensitive accompaniment. The album is a testament to Björling's enduring legacy and his ability to captivate audiences with his powerful voice and profound musicality.
This album is a treasure trove for opera enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike, offering a rare opportunity to experience the magic of Jussi Björling live in concert. With a duration of just over an hour, it's a perfect addition to any classical music collection, providing hours of enjoyment and appreciation for the art of opera.
(C) 2009 Urania
Tracks
Serse, Act I: Ombra mai fuGeorge Frideric Handel, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Lieder, D. 686 - "Frühlingsglaube"Franz Schubert, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Lieder, D. 550 - "Die Forelle"Franz Schubert, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Lieder, D. 957 No. 4 - "Ständchen"Franz Schubert, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Lieder, Op. 29 No. 1 - "Traum durch die Dämmerung"Richard Strauss, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Lieder, Op. 10 No. 1 - "Zueignung"Richard Strauss, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Carmen, Act II: La fleur que tu m'avais jetéeGeorges Bizet, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Fedora, Act II: Amor ti vietaUmberto Giordano, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Lieder, Op. 21 No. 5 - "Siren' (Lilacs"Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Lieder, Op. 4 No. 3 - "V molchan'i nochi taynoy"Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Lieder, Op. 28 No. 6 - "Skogen sover"Hugo Alfvén, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
I drommen du är mig näraEmil Sjögren, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Lieder, Op. 10 No. 1 - "Jungfrun under lind"Wilhelm Peterson-Berger, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Lieder, Op. 25 No. 2 - "En svane"Edvard Grieg, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Lieder, Op. 48 No. 6 - "Ein Traum"Edvard Grieg, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
TonernaEmil Sjögren, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Andrea Chenier, Act IV: Come un bel dì di maggioUmberto Giordano, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
La Bohème, Act I: Che gelida maninaGiacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Turandot, Act III: Nessun dormaGiacomo Puccini, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Lohengrin, Act III: In fernem LandRichard Wagner, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
L'elisir d'amore, Act II: Una furtiva lacrimaGaetano Donizetti, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra
Cavalleria rusticana: Mamma, quel vino è generosoPietro Mascagni, Jussi Björling, Frederick Shauwecker, Sten Frykberg, Swedish Radio Orchestra