Tenor: I groan as a guilty one, and my face blushes with guilt; spare the supplicant, O God. You, who absolved Mary Magdalen, and heard the prayer of the thief, have given me hope, as well. My prayers are not worthy, but show mercy, O benevolent one, lest I burn forever in fire. Give me a place among the sheep, and separate me from the goats, placing me on your right hand.
Jussi has an amazing voice! He has great tone and sings the high notes with great ease. I agree with Mike that he is one of the best tenors that lived.
The words "dark" and "bright", etc. are often misused when describing the voice of Björling and others. Björling's voice adapted to the music. Just compare the sound of "Ingemisco" with that of the Swedish song "Trollsjön" (Troll's Lake) in the 1957 recording. Björling changed his coloring as the composer and music required. The sounds he makes in "Trollsjön": are superhuman. His singing always reflected a great musicality and refinement.
Bjorling had a darker voice than any tenor I've heard. In the documentary "3 Legendary Tenors" (which also included biographies of Gigli and Caruso), Nigel Douglas said that it reflected the cold of Northern Europe (Bjorling is, of course, from Sweden), while Caruso's and Gigli's voices reflected Mediterranean sunshine. I agree on that 100%. Bjorling's voice certainly has a melancholy quality, but it's excellent nontheless. :)
Although this rendition was not as polished as that of the younger Bjorling, there is far more depth of true emotion and spirit displayed here. It is so heart felt you cannot help being moved to tears, especially when you realize the man was in fact dying. It also serves as an example for singers and teachers alike, that singing is not a physical business at all, but more a mental one. Verdi would have been moved too.
I don't compare singers. I only know that every time when I hear Jussi I'm brought to another place - a place of sheer beauty.
Interesting choice of recording. In 1960 he made some of his best recordings. Even though his voice was a bit darker and not that generous in the highest register he adds a feeling that is unique. Just listen to his late recordings of Nordic songs.
In my opinion one of the greatest - maybe the greatest - lyrical tenor ever. But the is this Neapolitan tenor - the legend - Enrico Caruso that keeps coming up when I listen to great singers, like Björling.
Caruso was - the younger Caruso - quite lyrical, later spinto, dramatic - even baritone or bass.
Describing one above the other as 'the greatest' is always a purely subjective thing. We all know that deep down inside. This guy had a voice I would have happily gone through life with !!...and there are a few others too.......he was one of the greats, the best ever has not been discovered yet and never will be I guess...
It's remarkable that he recorded this only a few months before he died. He had a heart attack in March of 1960, recorded this in June and died that fall. Having him under these circumstances singing a requiem, brings even more emotion to it. His voice while dying is still better than most singers on their best day.
Great choices, both of them, i.e., singer AND selection. Contrary to another comment I just read, I think this particular singer was absolutely at his best here. I am biased though, as it happens to be my single favorite recording of Bjoerling, and the first one I'd reach for if I wanted to win over any converts.
i have been listening to this guy the better part of 50yrs.It just amaze me some of the sounds that come out of him.i have recordings of him from the early 30s he in his 20s sung in Swedish. I ask myself "how did he do that" !!!
Thanks for this marvelous performance and 100singers for posting. IMO this is not the best recording of this piece..BUT the best is by Bjoerlimg @ 1938 Live radio performance. For me Jussi and this piece are always bonded together.
I do love this guy's voice and his even control ... a lovely timbre ... though my certain Fav is Pavarotti: I don't think anyone really approaches him. Need I say more - he had gifts Beyond...
Real operalovers have never put Bjoerling high, he was so bad an actor and opera is an artform and not something that is made to showoff a beautiful voice. It's not enough with a voice, but since we hear Bjoerling through records only, it doesn't matter really. Because the sheer beauty of it, makes ones hair stand on end. Even though I agree that he is slightly out of voice here in 1960...
@mozzrt - Most "Real" opera lovers adore Bjorling precisely because of the sheer beauty and emotionalism of his voice. As you say, it does make your stand on end! I agree that opera is a performance artform, and these days more emphasis is put on the acting than formerly, but in Bjorling's time, 'park and bark' singing was acceptable in opera houses, so I don't imagine opera fans of that era complained much if a singer was stiff, especially with a voice like this. I could be wrong.
@sopranosd I should have put it better. Many operalovers of that time found him cold and static, but I most certainly agree with you. And since we only hear his voice nowadays, we are lucky that he acted with his voice and not onstage! I love to hear the arias without sobbing and screaming, as was so often the case, or still is! He is wonder, no mistake about it!
@mozzrt - - You didn't put it poorly :) I see what you mean. Opera style of the era favored the large gesture. Bjorling would indeed have seemed cold and static by contrast because he poured emotion into his voice, with the novelty of its cooler timbre. It is ironic that history favors Bjorling over others who may have been wildly popular in their day, since the voice lives on in recordings and copious sobs don't translate well.
As I said, above: In this topic, I would very much agree with you on the superb Quality of Bjoerling's voice, his timbre and his control throughout. He certainly adds dimension well beyong the great Bulk.
MY choice, however, for the [to me] unquestionable "Greatest" is Pavarotti - he possesses gifts Beyond ... that only God could explain ;)
@denidowi Pavarotti was a great singer, one of the very best. His performances already in the 60's stunned conductors and audiences alike. His singing in Donizetti Figlio Del Regimento is a true wonder in opera.
@denidowi Interesting, but I think Pavarotti himself would have probably disagreed with you on who would be the top tenor, since, supposedly, Jussi Björling happened to be our dear Pavi's idol.
And as for the cause of his untimely death: heart failure.
@RoyKa2010 I wouldn't worry! How many times is history replete with people who have held up others as their idols when younger, only to surpass them on the fly themselves sometime laterLOL?????!!
Beatles held up Presley ... Beethoven held up Mozart ... sport is replete with such countless examples.
@mozzrt But I would certainly rate this man, Boerling, and possibly, Pierce, among the very great voices and performers as well. Among formal "tenors", they would gain my votes.
Quien dijo que nadie es perfecto?? Tal vez Bjorling tuvo sus problemas con el alcohol pero si de Opera y voz de Tenor hablamos fue, es y será por siempre el mejor (The Best).Solo escuchen; aquí hay tecnica, color, dulzura, fuerza, suavidad, pasion y sobretodo una gran Voz.
His wife did prefer Jussi yes and his daughter loved Tucker and gave him Caruso's Canio costume. Tucker came to opera in 1945 and Jussi much sooner in 1930 at age 19 in Sweden. Tucker was a cantor for many years first in NY. They both had to over come not being Italian and in those days being American or a Swede singing Italian opera was not a plus so many changed names like Bonelli, Valentino and even Mc Cormack for awhile in Italy took an Italian Name .
@jrtrmish She considered Bjoerling the true successor to Caruso.The famous words were said to him: "You are the only singer worth to bear his mantle, bear Ricos crown!" With that, she presented him with Caruso's Duke's costume out of Rigoletto. Bjoerling, a great admirer of Caruso, considered this moment one of the greatest of his life. MrsCaruso was very knowledgeable of tenors and voices, and never thought any singer was good enough, after her beloved Enrico...
In this topic, I would very much agree with you on the superb Quality of Bjoerling's voice, his timbre and his control throughout. He certainly adds dimension.
MY choice however, for the [to me] unquestionable "Greatest" is Pavarotti - he possesses gifts Beyond ... that only God could explain ;)
LANZA DID COACH WITH SEVERAL GOOD ONES AND WORKED EARLY WITH Rosati and Spadoni the Gigli teacher, also london and steber but he said lanza did what he wanted and he could teach him little he said the most beautiful voice since gigli and that he waited for a voice like that. He sang his way at the request of the hollywood studio for films and radio. His early hollywood bowl singing was a more polished style. Bjorling was a refined polished artist always. His dad and forsell taught him early.
This is one of the renditions of Jussi I like most. I have heard it in a better recording, though. This sound with a kind of echo reverberation, like he was singing in a hangar or in a covered stadium.
I was worried when initially going through your list of uploads at not being able to find a video dedicated to Jussi. But, it was because it was your first upload (him being the number one greatest), and therefore the last in the video list.
TheGlobalGamer. I think this is a selection of popular singers who sing well known excepts mainly from operas. Sinatra, Martin, Davis and others are certainly great singers too. I personally think the title 100 Greatest Singers is a misnoma. It is of course only 1 person's opinion. The good point is that it brings to light people we may not have heard before.
Thanks 4 this wonderful project! Bjorling & Caruso 4 me! Glad 2 see posters whose comments I have read w/interest on other opera videos. Jussi's voice goes right thru my heart when he sings, like Caruso. I always need to recover after listening because it is such an incredible an experience, even on old recordings! Not just the emotion evoked, but the incredible beauty & seeming effortlessness. Will listen to all 100 over time, thanks again.
So he seems to use it as you say when he wants, but usually in more Forte moments and more later then when he was young, at times on recording it sounds excessive but not in the house when I heard him two years before he died in 1958. Recordings are weird and like with Bergonzi his voice sounded bigger on recording yet it had a good point and I had no problem hearing him or Bergonzi . I do have friends who don't like all the vibrato, the opposite would be Martinelli who used little of it.
......Bjoerling, Caruso Lanza Gigli...what fortunate freaks of nature....so many tenors can hit the notes, but have the sound like poured vinegar, not golden poured honey.....but history gets lucky a few times.........
Not a bjorling fanatic but his Boheme is legendary The other 3 you mention were naturally endowed with physical instruments. Lanza a great natural voice but limited probably to the lack of coaching he received in opera with its unique phrasing delivery and phonation.. He tended to really shine more with the popular classics .Caruso and Gigli? Close the door and throw away the key! Leave them in a room by themselves!!!
Surely Sinatra, etc are also singers - as well as entertainers ... just as much opera requires actors [almost] as well.
If one is to speak of singers, ALL singers must be considered. In which case there would be little question but to include names like, Connie Francis, Harry Belafonte, Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy, and Gordon MacRae as but a few of the most superb voices and styles that could not possibly miss even the Top 30 "Singers".
His singing of Nessum Dorma(which for me has stayed the best,) was my 1st 78rpm purchase in 1954 for our new record player! and he has been a firm favourite since.His voice is magic.
That is natural vibrato. It happens when you 'say' the word or phrase correctly. The form of the word is the same as if it were spoken. The vibrato lasts as long as how long one intends to sustain a word. That is vocal freedom and Bjorling's secret. He sings as he would speak. It is the foundation of Bel Canto artistry.
Jussi is a tenor who is either idolized or judged harshly at times He is so loved by so many it is worship. To say bjoerling was not italian sounding or had a light voice or oversang at times is pointless jussi is admired revered and deserves a spot on this list he is always fun to listen to ...gives 150% .. if you doubt his stature or can't warm up to his singing just envision the MET having a stable of 10 Bjorlings on its roster today
I should have been clear Sorry I am just implying the Met would have 10 great tenors on hand [which they need ] and obviously the Met would be held in even more high regard as an opera house identified with great singing. Any house would be proud and beg to have a great tenor like Jussi under contract.
No, it isn't a joke. I learned from listening to this, and after this, to other Björling recordings.
That duet is VERY hard for any tenor to do well, which is no doubt why I first heard the Björling-Merrill performance on a 'Great Moments' album.
My comment says I learned something. That doesn't take away from Björling. How could it? How could anything? Even my preference for a different recording of a particular duet can't change his many achievements.
@100Singers This is from 1960?! The guy was a wonder! Gorgeous tone, so emotional. He totally owns this aria. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe he was an alcoholic, which makes the high quality of his performances all the more miraculous.
Bjorling wasn't an italian voice but he, like McCormick ,sang with power abandon and the Italian spirit He tossed off high notes like few others.. he must be ranked with the greatest tenors.. his style,attack and full throttle style tells me he listened to a lot of Caruso growing up.. His Aida etc. remind me of the great Italian tenor. He is greatly admired in historical terms.
To lareto. Only fools bashes another one for his own opinion. Although I`m a great admirer of Bjoerling, your sentiments are very interesting. Even Caruso hadn´t friends at all. Best wishes from Mike
if we could bring 3 tenors back and put them on stage [and in the modern studios] wouldn't Caruso Gigli and Bjorling be the 3 we would choose. I hope you agree ..Thank you for this series.. beautiful!!
I'm one of the few people who's not a fan of his personally. I appreciate the technique, but I've never been a fan of his tone. Such an odd sound to my ear. Light, but somehow not totally pure. I know I'll probably be bashed for saying that, but that's just what I've always heard in his singing.
Opinions vary for ALL singers, especially regarding the sound of the voice. Technique is perhaps more objectively measured. I--like Mike and so many others--am a great admirer of Bjoerling's tone and technique, but I don't think he has the Italian sound; on the contrary, it is very Nordic (no surprise here). Interesting that you say it's "not totally pure." IMO it's perhaps too pure, too tame, not quite as passionate as some of the Italian tenors. Of course, I'm speaking in relative terms.
I would say if any tone is pure it´s the one of Björling. It´s silver pure with higher cadenza in the high notes than any other tenor. But the tone itself also contains a lot of emotions. Many other tenors trye to add emotions in a way that tend to be disturbing when it becomes sobs reloadings etc. Björlings voice was to good for adding any extra emotions!
I agree with you about Corelli I heard him and Del Monaco they both seemed fit for a few big roles. Corelli in anything lyric was not really great and Del Monaco also. Heard both but in Otello I loved Del Monaco on stage when I heard him and as Calaf live Corelli was very good. Bjorling was beautiful in many roles early and later he sang more in Concert so he sang a smaller rep. He sang close too 50 roles in Sweden at the start. I have heard Shicoff in the 70's-80's give amazing performances
You are indeed fortunate to have heard Bjorling in performance. I would rank him with Caruso and Gigli as the three greatest tenors on record. Of course, there are several others to mention, including Schipa, McCormack, and Melchior, as well as lesser-known singers. Of the tenors I heard live, I would put Tucker on the list, Peerce (whom I heard well past his prime), and Pavarotti. I would not include Shicoff, Del Monaco, Corelli, Kraus, Domingo, or Carreras despite their excellent qualities.
meltzerboy: when did you hear Peerce? If you heard him in the early 1960s you might have heard his voice at its most beautiful. The Cantorial Masterpieces album on Vanguard has an extremely rich burnished sound that fully compensates for slight loses in the upper 5th of the voice. In 1969 he sang a pair of orchestral recitals in Syracuse New York that were fantastic at age 65!!!! Pavarotti gets trashed a lot for his lazy later years but he could SING like an angel. Tucker rules!!!!!!!
I heard Peerce throughout the 1960s and found his performances variable (as they are with all singers). The tone of his voice, while still beautiful, was somewhat drier than it had been earlier. Nonetheless, if we had a tenor of Peerce's quality today, we could consider ourselves very fortunate. He was not Toscanini's favorite tenor for nothing! I also believe I did not hear Tucker at his best when his legato was smoother and his outbursts less emphatic. Still, he had quite a beautiful voice.
I have to thank YOU for taking the trouble to post these fabulous clips on YouTube! I am crazy about beverly Sills and Jussi Bjorling and love your postings!!!!
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Tenor: I groan as a guilty one, and my face blushes with guilt; spare the supplicant, O God. You, who absolved Mary Magdalen, and heard the prayer of the thief, have given me hope, as well. My prayers are not worthy, but show mercy, O benevolent one, lest I burn forever in fire. Give me a place among the sheep, and separate me from the goats, placing me on your right hand.
astinus4 2 months ago
Even Pavarotti regarded him as the greatest of all time. Praise indeed.
stickitupyapipe 3 months ago
Jussi has an amazing voice! He has great tone and sings the high notes with great ease. I agree with Mike that he is one of the best tenors that lived.
epothen 3 months ago
The words "dark" and "bright", etc. are often misused when describing the voice of Björling and others. Björling's voice adapted to the music. Just compare the sound of "Ingemisco" with that of the Swedish song "Trollsjön" (Troll's Lake) in the 1957 recording. Björling changed his coloring as the composer and music required. The sounds he makes in "Trollsjön": are superhuman. His singing always reflected a great musicality and refinement.
TheCTConservative 4 months ago 2
Bjorling had a darker voice than any tenor I've heard. In the documentary "3 Legendary Tenors" (which also included biographies of Gigli and Caruso), Nigel Douglas said that it reflected the cold of Northern Europe (Bjorling is, of course, from Sweden), while Caruso's and Gigli's voices reflected Mediterranean sunshine. I agree on that 100%. Bjorling's voice certainly has a melancholy quality, but it's excellent nontheless. :)
31operafan 9 months ago 3
very warm and controlled voice,but will never be as moving as corelli
jarto10 9 months ago
Although this rendition was not as polished as that of the younger Bjorling, there is far more depth of true emotion and spirit displayed here. It is so heart felt you cannot help being moved to tears, especially when you realize the man was in fact dying. It also serves as an example for singers and teachers alike, that singing is not a physical business at all, but more a mental one. Verdi would have been moved too.
AmhranaiAlainn 10 months ago
I don't compare singers. I only know that every time when I hear Jussi I'm brought to another place - a place of sheer beauty.
Interesting choice of recording. In 1960 he made some of his best recordings. Even though his voice was a bit darker and not that generous in the highest register he adds a feeling that is unique. Just listen to his late recordings of Nordic songs.
PEAinSwe 1 year ago
In my opinion one of the greatest - maybe the greatest - lyrical tenor ever. But the is this Neapolitan tenor - the legend - Enrico Caruso that keeps coming up when I listen to great singers, like Björling.
Caruso was - the younger Caruso - quite lyrical, later spinto, dramatic - even baritone or bass.
tomfroekjaer 1 year ago
Describing one above the other as 'the greatest' is always a purely subjective thing. We all know that deep down inside. This guy had a voice I would have happily gone through life with !!...and there are a few others too.......he was one of the greats, the best ever has not been discovered yet and never will be I guess...
Untruthful 1 year ago
Can someone please inform me as to why Lawrence Tibbett has been omitted from this project altogether? I am very intrigued.
phatphace 1 year ago
Surely they are all brilliant!!
samarian100 1 year ago
It's remarkable that he recorded this only a few months before he died. He had a heart attack in March of 1960, recorded this in June and died that fall. Having him under these circumstances singing a requiem, brings even more emotion to it. His voice while dying is still better than most singers on their best day.
elgrizzlydeadams 1 year ago
@TheGlobalGamer . It's a good question. Thanks for asking.
elainebmack 1 year ago
It's hard to believe that he was so ill with a bad heart when you hear him sing.
elainebmack 1 year ago
Fantastico....
sgtunix 1 year ago
Great choices, both of them, i.e., singer AND selection. Contrary to another comment I just read, I think this particular singer was absolutely at his best here. I am biased though, as it happens to be my single favorite recording of Bjoerling, and the first one I'd reach for if I wanted to win over any converts.
bsdml 1 year ago
i have been listening to this guy the better part of 50yrs.It just amaze me some of the sounds that come out of him.i have recordings of him from the early 30s he in his 20s sung in Swedish. I ask myself "how did he do that" !!!
citrussorbet 1 year ago
Paulo
Thanks for this marvelous performance and 100singers for posting. IMO this is not the best recording of this piece..BUT the best is by Bjoerlimg @ 1938 Live radio performance. For me Jussi and this piece are always bonded together.
John.
65attila 1 year ago
Awesome! TY.
paulostroff99 1 year ago
I do love this guy's voice and his even control ... a lovely timbre ... though my certain Fav is Pavarotti: I don't think anyone really approaches him. Need I say more - he had gifts Beyond...
BTW, Why did Bjoerling die so young?
denidowi 1 year ago
@unethicaldenier June 1960 in Vienna
XP11XP 1 year ago
Real operalovers have never put Bjoerling high, he was so bad an actor and opera is an artform and not something that is made to showoff a beautiful voice. It's not enough with a voice, but since we hear Bjoerling through records only, it doesn't matter really. Because the sheer beauty of it, makes ones hair stand on end. Even though I agree that he is slightly out of voice here in 1960...
mozzrt 1 year ago
@mozzrt - Most "Real" opera lovers adore Bjorling precisely because of the sheer beauty and emotionalism of his voice. As you say, it does make your stand on end! I agree that opera is a performance artform, and these days more emphasis is put on the acting than formerly, but in Bjorling's time, 'park and bark' singing was acceptable in opera houses, so I don't imagine opera fans of that era complained much if a singer was stiff, especially with a voice like this. I could be wrong.
sopranosd 1 year ago
@sopranosd I should have put it better. Many operalovers of that time found him cold and static, but I most certainly agree with you. And since we only hear his voice nowadays, we are lucky that he acted with his voice and not onstage! I love to hear the arias without sobbing and screaming, as was so often the case, or still is! He is wonder, no mistake about it!
mozzrt 1 year ago
@mozzrt - - You didn't put it poorly :) I see what you mean. Opera style of the era favored the large gesture. Bjorling would indeed have seemed cold and static by contrast because he poured emotion into his voice, with the novelty of its cooler timbre. It is ironic that history favors Bjorling over others who may have been wildly popular in their day, since the voice lives on in recordings and copious sobs don't translate well.
sopranosd 1 year ago
@sopranosd Yes. And that the 'cold' voice is famous for being 'heavy with unshead tears' is a bit ironic, he leaves the tears to us...
mozzrt 1 year ago
@mozzrt So ... by accident, we meet again!!
As I said, above: In this topic, I would very much agree with you on the superb Quality of Bjoerling's voice, his timbre and his control throughout. He certainly adds dimension well beyong the great Bulk.
MY choice, however, for the [to me] unquestionable "Greatest" is Pavarotti - he possesses gifts Beyond ... that only God could explain ;)
denidowi 1 year ago
@denidowi Pavarotti was a great singer, one of the very best. His performances already in the 60's stunned conductors and audiences alike. His singing in Donizetti Figlio Del Regimento is a true wonder in opera.
mozzrt 1 year ago
@mozzrt In my opinion, P was the Top - he could do what other singers probably only dreamed of doingLOL!
God gave this man divine gifts: He gave others gifts too, of course, but I think He reserved something quite special for Pav.
denidowi 1 year ago
Comment removed
RoyKa2010 1 year ago
@denidowi Interesting, but I think Pavarotti himself would have probably disagreed with you on who would be the top tenor, since, supposedly, Jussi Björling happened to be our dear Pavi's idol.
And as for the cause of his untimely death: heart failure.
RoyKa2010 1 year ago 2
@RoyKa2010 I wouldn't worry! How many times is history replete with people who have held up others as their idols when younger, only to surpass them on the fly themselves sometime laterLOL?????!!
Beatles held up Presley ... Beethoven held up Mozart ... sport is replete with such countless examples.
denidowi 1 year ago 2
@denidowi PAVAROTI IS THE KING IN THIS ERA WITH NO DOUBT BUT THE OLD TENORS ARE THE BEST
Kenshin22able 1 year ago
@Kenshin22able Not in my view.
Old or young, I have heard nothing better in overall quality tenor singing than Pavarotti.
denidowi 1 year ago
@Kenshin22able I do like Jussi greatly though ... probably 2nd or 3rd I'd say.
denidowi 1 year ago
@mozzrt But I would certainly rate this man, Boerling, and possibly, Pierce, among the very great voices and performers as well. Among formal "tenors", they would gain my votes.
denidowi 1 year ago
Quien dijo que nadie es perfecto?? Tal vez Bjorling tuvo sus problemas con el alcohol pero si de Opera y voz de Tenor hablamos fue, es y será por siempre el mejor (The Best).Solo escuchen; aquí hay tecnica, color, dulzura, fuerza, suavidad, pasion y sobretodo una gran Voz.
lpizzella 1 year ago
@TheGlobalGamer, I know this is a 9 month late reply but I believe that genre is referred to as Singers and Standards.
302MarkVII 1 year ago
me encanta Jussi, especialmente con Victoria!
reinadegrillos 1 year ago
His wife did prefer Jussi yes and his daughter loved Tucker and gave him Caruso's Canio costume. Tucker came to opera in 1945 and Jussi much sooner in 1930 at age 19 in Sweden. Tucker was a cantor for many years first in NY. They both had to over come not being Italian and in those days being American or a Swede singing Italian opera was not a plus so many changed names like Bonelli, Valentino and even Mc Cormack for awhile in Italy took an Italian Name .
halavey 2 years ago
Sin duda una de las mejores voces de
tenor.
Admirable !!!
Gracias.
lazaro1947 2 years ago
When his wife was asked to name the greatest tenor after Caruso, she replied--Gigli!
jrtrmish 2 years ago
think you got that wrong...I always heard that when Mrs. Caruso was asked who was the greatest tenor after her husband she replied Bjorling.
laddnyc 2 years ago 2
@jrtrmish She considered Bjoerling the true successor to Caruso.The famous words were said to him: "You are the only singer worth to bear his mantle, bear Ricos crown!" With that, she presented him with Caruso's Duke's costume out of Rigoletto. Bjoerling, a great admirer of Caruso, considered this moment one of the greatest of his life. MrsCaruso was very knowledgeable of tenors and voices, and never thought any singer was good enough, after her beloved Enrico...
zgopify 1 year ago
@zgopify So ... by accident, we meet again!!
In this topic, I would very much agree with you on the superb Quality of Bjoerling's voice, his timbre and his control throughout. He certainly adds dimension.
MY choice however, for the [to me] unquestionable "Greatest" is Pavarotti - he possesses gifts Beyond ... that only God could explain ;)
denidowi 1 year ago
He was one of the three greatest tenors post-Caruso. The other two: Gigli and Corelli.
jrtrmish 2 years ago
Hmmmm.... I love both Gigli and Corelli. But the greatest? Gigli with his mannerisms and Corelli who always lacked subtlety?
Elisabetta611 2 years ago 8
On my top five.
tomfroekjaer 2 years ago
LANZA DID COACH WITH SEVERAL GOOD ONES AND WORKED EARLY WITH Rosati and Spadoni the Gigli teacher, also london and steber but he said lanza did what he wanted and he could teach him little he said the most beautiful voice since gigli and that he waited for a voice like that. He sang his way at the request of the hollywood studio for films and radio. His early hollywood bowl singing was a more polished style. Bjorling was a refined polished artist always. His dad and forsell taught him early.
halavey 2 years ago
This is one of the renditions of Jussi I like most. I have heard it in a better recording, though. This sound with a kind of echo reverberation, like he was singing in a hangar or in a covered stadium.
alontas 2 years ago
I was worried when initially going through your list of uploads at not being able to find a video dedicated to Jussi. But, it was because it was your first upload (him being the number one greatest), and therefore the last in the video list.
Bluedybluedyblue 2 years ago
TheGlobalGamer. I think this is a selection of popular singers who sing well known excepts mainly from operas. Sinatra, Martin, Davis and others are certainly great singers too. I personally think the title 100 Greatest Singers is a misnoma. It is of course only 1 person's opinion. The good point is that it brings to light people we may not have heard before.
SugarTomAppleRoger 2 years ago
Thanks 4 this wonderful project! Bjorling & Caruso 4 me! Glad 2 see posters whose comments I have read w/interest on other opera videos. Jussi's voice goes right thru my heart when he sings, like Caruso. I always need to recover after listening because it is such an incredible an experience, even on old recordings! Not just the emotion evoked, but the incredible beauty & seeming effortlessness. Will listen to all 100 over time, thanks again.
wollestoncraft 2 years ago
They have different genres of music. Some of the genres for example are Jazz and Musicals.
Leonardebr 2 years ago
His voice is very natural, it seems effortless
idoltyler06 2 years ago
So he seems to use it as you say when he wants, but usually in more Forte moments and more later then when he was young, at times on recording it sounds excessive but not in the house when I heard him two years before he died in 1958. Recordings are weird and like with Bergonzi his voice sounded bigger on recording yet it had a good point and I had no problem hearing him or Bergonzi . I do have friends who don't like all the vibrato, the opposite would be Martinelli who used little of it.
halavey 2 years ago
......Bjoerling, Caruso Lanza Gigli...what fortunate freaks of nature....so many tenors can hit the notes, but have the sound like poured vinegar, not golden poured honey.....but history gets lucky a few times.........
j72050 2 years ago 3
Not a bjorling fanatic but his Boheme is legendary The other 3 you mention were naturally endowed with physical instruments. Lanza a great natural voice but limited probably to the lack of coaching he received in opera with its unique phrasing delivery and phonation.. He tended to really shine more with the popular classics .Caruso and Gigli? Close the door and throw away the key! Leave them in a room by themselves!!!
lpvcrcd 2 years ago
I would like to say, those artists are great entertainers!
100Singers 2 years ago 10
@100Singers I must admit, I would not 100% agree.
Surely Sinatra, etc are also singers - as well as entertainers ... just as much opera requires actors [almost] as well.
If one is to speak of singers, ALL singers must be considered. In which case there would be little question but to include names like, Connie Francis, Harry Belafonte, Jeanette MacDonald, Nelson Eddy, and Gordon MacRae as but a few of the most superb voices and styles that could not possibly miss even the Top 30 "Singers".
denidowi 1 year ago
His singing of Nessum Dorma(which for me has stayed the best,) was my 1st 78rpm purchase in 1954 for our new record player! and he has been a firm favourite since.His voice is magic.
RondalaC 2 years ago
along with Caruso the most loved tenors of the century.
citrussorbet 2 years ago
I personally believe he was the greatest tenor ever, and possibly the beautiful male voice to have ever existed, in my opinion.
His solo piano-recital recordings are my favorite. Such a rich and balanced voice, he really epitomized the idea of virtuoso belcanto singing. Bravo!
CarmenMirandasHat 2 years ago 16
Perhaps my favorite tenor. I grew up listening to his voice, and then other tenors came along. He's right up there with the best.
gigie555 2 years ago 2
I notice later on his vibrato was more pronounced like at 3:19 Why is this? I like his earlier recording of this even more then this one.
halavey 2 years ago
It sounds like he's driving the voice pretty hard. Similar to what Florez does on his high notes.
Mooorhe 2 years ago
That is natural vibrato. It happens when you 'say' the word or phrase correctly. The form of the word is the same as if it were spoken. The vibrato lasts as long as how long one intends to sustain a word. That is vocal freedom and Bjorling's secret. He sings as he would speak. It is the foundation of Bel Canto artistry.
AmhranaiAlainn 2 years ago
@AmhranaiAlainn
I study SLS and that's what the foundation of our technique is all about.
raigekimaru 2 years ago
Thank you so muchf or your work
gabrielvasquez 2 years ago
Along with Gigli-the best 2 on record. Bravo!
paulostroff99 2 years ago
Definitely, the greatest tenor in history.
Opus125rem 2 years ago
Bjorling's tone on this recording is not as rich and plangent as on some of his other recordings. his power, however, is phenomenal.
By coincidence, it's Holy Saturday 2009 (for Western Christians), when I'm listening. One of life's little surprizes.
polemius01 2 years ago
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PGUTTA03 2 years ago
He sings this even better in the 1940 live performance under Toscanini.
jfddoc 2 years ago
Jussi Björling belongs for sure in the Top 100.
Beside that he is even in my private Top 10
though I was born much later. ;-)
HCFan39 2 years ago
HCFFan39-More like the best 4 or 5.
paulostroff99 2 years ago
This is certainly not one of his better recordings. Why is this chosen. As always he sounds great but I am used to being flabbergasted.
mozzrt 2 years ago
Jussi is a tenor who is either idolized or judged harshly at times He is so loved by so many it is worship. To say bjoerling was not italian sounding or had a light voice or oversang at times is pointless jussi is admired revered and deserves a spot on this list he is always fun to listen to ...gives 150% .. if you doubt his stature or can't warm up to his singing just envision the MET having a stable of 10 Bjorlings on its roster today
lpvcrcd 3 years ago
lpvcrcd! Your last sentence, can you explane. Don´t follow you ???
sefferpot 2 years ago
I should have been clear Sorry I am just implying the Met would have 10 great tenors on hand [which they need ] and obviously the Met would be held in even more high regard as an opera house identified with great singing. Any house would be proud and beg to have a great tenor like Jussi under contract.
lpvcrcd 2 years ago
This is impressive.
I heard, only the 'Au fond du temple saint' Bjoerling sang with Merrill.
I prefer my John Aler/Gino Quilico 'Au fond' and had assumed Bjoerling was getting old.
I now understand I was wrong. 'Au fond' clearly requires a special tenor like John Aler whose voice is unusually high.
Here, Bjoerling's voice is great! Thanks for the wakeup call! Count me in for Bjoerling.
Dionaysia 3 years ago
Is this a joke?
The Björling-Merrill record of the Pêcheur des Perles-duett is an altime favorite!
vully70 2 years ago
No, it isn't a joke. I learned from listening to this, and after this, to other Björling recordings.
That duet is VERY hard for any tenor to do well, which is no doubt why I first heard the Björling-Merrill performance on a 'Great Moments' album.
My comment says I learned something. That doesn't take away from Björling. How could it? How could anything? Even my preference for a different recording of a particular duet can't change his many achievements.
Dionaysia 2 years ago
he's not in his top here, difficult to rate this.
petrof4056 3 years ago
When he recorded this in summer 1960 he was seriously ill with his weak heart, but I don´t know another rendition so moving like this.
100Singers 3 years ago
@100Singers This is from 1960?! The guy was a wonder! Gorgeous tone, so emotional. He totally owns this aria. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe he was an alcoholic, which makes the high quality of his performances all the more miraculous.
sopranosd 1 year ago
...his silvery tone may not be idiomatically Italian, but he is up there with Gigli and Caruso, and the top step......
j72050 3 years ago
Bjorling wasn't an italian voice but he, like McCormick ,sang with power abandon and the Italian spirit He tossed off high notes like few others.. he must be ranked with the greatest tenors.. his style,attack and full throttle style tells me he listened to a lot of Caruso growing up.. His Aida etc. remind me of the great Italian tenor. He is greatly admired in historical terms.
lpvcrcd 3 years ago
To lareto. Only fools bashes another one for his own opinion. Although I`m a great admirer of Bjoerling, your sentiments are very interesting. Even Caruso hadn´t friends at all. Best wishes from Mike
100Singers 3 years ago 2
if we could bring 3 tenors back and put them on stage [and in the modern studios] wouldn't Caruso Gigli and Bjorling be the 3 we would choose. I hope you agree ..Thank you for this series.. beautiful!!
lpvcrcd 3 years ago
Björling - definitely
Caruso - for the thrill of really hearing him, perhaps, because I can't imagine what he really sounded like, but rather a voice I know:
Wunderlich for Mozart and
Jacques Urlus for Wagner
vully70 2 years ago
I'm one of the few people who's not a fan of his personally. I appreciate the technique, but I've never been a fan of his tone. Such an odd sound to my ear. Light, but somehow not totally pure. I know I'll probably be bashed for saying that, but that's just what I've always heard in his singing.
Iareto 3 years ago 3
Opinions vary for ALL singers, especially regarding the sound of the voice. Technique is perhaps more objectively measured. I--like Mike and so many others--am a great admirer of Bjoerling's tone and technique, but I don't think he has the Italian sound; on the contrary, it is very Nordic (no surprise here). Interesting that you say it's "not totally pure." IMO it's perhaps too pure, too tame, not quite as passionate as some of the Italian tenors. Of course, I'm speaking in relative terms.
meltzerboy 3 years ago
I would say if any tone is pure it´s the one of Björling. It´s silver pure with higher cadenza in the high notes than any other tenor. But the tone itself also contains a lot of emotions. Many other tenors trye to add emotions in a way that tend to be disturbing when it becomes sobs reloadings etc. Björlings voice was to good for adding any extra emotions!
sefferpot 3 years ago 4
Jussi, always great! Väckert.
Prissie28 3 years ago
I agree with you about Corelli I heard him and Del Monaco they both seemed fit for a few big roles. Corelli in anything lyric was not really great and Del Monaco also. Heard both but in Otello I loved Del Monaco on stage when I heard him and as Calaf live Corelli was very good. Bjorling was beautiful in many roles early and later he sang more in Concert so he sang a smaller rep. He sang close too 50 roles in Sweden at the start. I have heard Shicoff in the 70's-80's give amazing performances
pearlmuth3 3 years ago 2
gigli -tucker -shicoff but i never heard gigli live heard jussi in 1958 lucky me!
pearlmuth3 3 years ago
You are indeed fortunate to have heard Bjorling in performance. I would rank him with Caruso and Gigli as the three greatest tenors on record. Of course, there are several others to mention, including Schipa, McCormack, and Melchior, as well as lesser-known singers. Of the tenors I heard live, I would put Tucker on the list, Peerce (whom I heard well past his prime), and Pavarotti. I would not include Shicoff, Del Monaco, Corelli, Kraus, Domingo, or Carreras despite their excellent qualities.
meltzerboy 3 years ago 3
You are correct!Domingo, and especially Carreras are overrated.
lpvcrcd 3 years ago
meltzerboy: when did you hear Peerce? If you heard him in the early 1960s you might have heard his voice at its most beautiful. The Cantorial Masterpieces album on Vanguard has an extremely rich burnished sound that fully compensates for slight loses in the upper 5th of the voice. In 1969 he sang a pair of orchestral recitals in Syracuse New York that were fantastic at age 65!!!! Pavarotti gets trashed a lot for his lazy later years but he could SING like an angel. Tucker rules!!!!!!!
gaytenor 2 years ago 2
I heard Peerce throughout the 1960s and found his performances variable (as they are with all singers). The tone of his voice, while still beautiful, was somewhat drier than it had been earlier. Nonetheless, if we had a tenor of Peerce's quality today, we could consider ourselves very fortunate. He was not Toscanini's favorite tenor for nothing! I also believe I did not hear Tucker at his best when his legato was smoother and his outbursts less emphatic. Still, he had quite a beautiful voice.
meltzerboy 2 years ago
@meltzerboy Love your first three, they are mine too, Schipa coming in not far behind.
RudySunseeker 1 year ago
One of my 4 favorite tenors always. Beautiful and perfect singing.
pearlmuth3 3 years ago
Who might the other three be? (just curious)
meltzerboy 3 years ago
Surely one of the greatest tenors on record. In terms of sheer beauty of tone, technique, phrasing, and musicianship, Bjorling is almost unrivaled.
meltzerboy 3 years ago 2
Björling is one of my favourite singer. Top 10 probably ;)
petrof4056 3 years ago
Most certainly top 10. Top 3 in my opinion if we are strictly speaking of tenors. Doesn't matter how one ranks.
GermanOperaSinger 3 years ago
Definitely one of the greats.Incomparable
laknaths 3 years ago
Oh how I miss this superb singing!!
Jussi was indeed the singer among the singers.
Thanks a lot 100Singers!
borlange11 3 years ago
I have to thank YOU for taking the trouble to post these fabulous clips on YouTube! I am crazy about beverly Sills and Jussi Bjorling and love your postings!!!!
petelovesbevsills 3 years ago
WHAT can anyone say about utter perfection???
BRAVO Jussi and of course BRAVO 100Singers!!!!
petelovesbevsills 3 years ago
Thank you very much for your kind and polite comment.
100Singers 3 years ago