Pavarotti in 1961 was better in my opinion, he had more power in the highest notes.
This guy sounds like a man singing very, very good.
Pavarotti sounds like god(I'm an atheist..), or some kind of machine...
I do agree Jussi Bjorling has a lot of plus points to later pavarotti. He has a higher sound which is more compelling sometimes, but Pavarotti has that metallic sound in the high C's which made him so popular. Probably, Pavarotti just got too fat in his later years.
I don't mean to offend anyone, who loves another Tenor above Jussi, but to ME all other voices (yes even Di Stefano's, Gigli's and Caruso's) pale into significance when compared to Jussi's mellow trumpet.
What I find the most fascinating about Bjorling is the inherent melancholy in his voice that makes anything he sings so incredibly poignant. Oh and such note-perfect technique, too! A shame he died so young still at the height of his powers.
There have been many very great tenors in the past, and they have all had some in credible performances with certain arias at certain times. However, in my opinion I don't think any tenor has sung so many roles, so many arias, so many songs so well overall as Bjorling. And I agree with vpo2g2----"His vibrato means freedom", show me a tenor with a free voice like Bjorling. It is something he learned very early in his singing life--as a child.
@GAYTENOR yes, I noticed that wide Vibrato long ago and yet some fan told me it was when he had to much emotion at the moment but I think as you say it was when he went for more volume and sometimes in Studio rec. it also happens, a kind of a wide vibrato and as you say almost to a wobble but as far as the sharp occasional high C that may be intentional for excitement. I prefer Sharp to flat. When I first became aware of JB in 1954 a friend pointed that out to me . I had not noticed it.
@SHICOFF1 Yes, he did exaggerate his vibrato in several recordings and sometimes wandered in and out of key. I'm not crazy about the recordings in which he did this. However, when he was on, he was amazing.
Dial up this gem of a duet he did with Robert Merrill: 'Jussi Bjorling sings Io l'ho perduta! Dio che nell' posted by 302MarkVII. This is one of the reasons I can't pick between Jussi and Caruso. Bjorling's highs really shine here. Notice how in synch the vibratos are in the duets. Amazing!
@wiseroldfart I had mentioned to you in the past that Bjorling was a little cold,But this is not the case here.As far as the vibrato thats applied , I find it appealing and I think he sounds warmer because of it. He pushes a little at the end and theres a slight break which gives his voice some excitement, which for me was missing more often than not.Bjorling was another voice that was almost incapable of putting out an ugly sound.Enjoy
@turidduni perhaps you mean the Vibrato in his voice on the High C which sounds slightly sharp and can be in the recording also? I doubt he was at his limit and recorded a D flat but in the studio in the 30's. He did have a habit of occasionally singing slightly on the sharp side on top only---- better than flat! I like early JB better then late JB. This was a signature aria for him.
@arronsande Yes I would agree with you he was a lyric tenor, I meant was what he sang and in the interview old fart mentions which I have had for about 40 years Mr Wagner in 1958 asked JB about what kind of role Aida was for tenor. JB said a Spinto role then Wagner asks him a loaded question, he asked are you than spinto and JB said one word, Yes. Well I don't agree with that according too today's classification. Back in 1958 maybe the meaning was different. Times change and language too.
@SHICOFF1 Did you notice that even at this very early date in his career Bjorling was pushing notes above the stave for more volume to the point where the c'' is actually close to c#'' and the slight break in the voice as he finishes the climatic phrase? I'm always amazed at how the Jussians constantly overlook the very wide vibrato that verges on a wobble when he pushes his glorious voice.
@gaytenor If you listen closely, you will notice that the break is just an unevenness in the tape recording. I think most fans are aware of Jussi's distinct vibrato - and they like it. It has no similarity to a wobble since there is no (wrong) pressure.
When a MAN brings tears in another MANs eyes. And both of are heterosexual?Jussi Björling and Siriusfanatriker is a perfect example!! Teknik as we say in Swedish is overrated. Music is all about feeling. Bergonzi and somewhat all of theml. Can they bring tears in your eyes good people?
@AARONSANDE I agree with you completely- he was a lyric not spinto but when I say lyric Spinto I mean he sang some Spinto roles like Trovatore and sang in Aida, in Europe and in Chicago once, three performances but in the interview when he said he was a Spinto I find it hard to imagine-- so I do agree with you. I did hear him in 1958 as the Duke in Chicago, as you say a Lyric! I agree. Just different meaning to some.
Beautiful voice, well balanced across his range, but definitely pushing the limit of his range on the high C. Listen to Bergonzi's version or Big Luciano of course. The beauty of these great singers is the unique qualities of the voices, hence why not all tenor repertoires are suited to all tenors. Thank you for sharing this video.
@turidduni Personally i cant hear anything wrong with that C, i think it is quiet beautiful. Soundquality might be slightly better in these clips making it easier to judge these things :
@turidduni Also disagree! I think you have not listened to Björlings high C! If anyone could do the high C without pushing to the limit it was Björling. I can look up some magic historical high C from Björling if you want?
@turidduni: Jussi had no problem with high notes. it's probably the recording or possibly one of the very few bad days he had in a span of 30 years. If you listen to most of his recordings, you'll see what I mean. Listen to the way he ends 'O Holy Night.' In fact, the whole song is a Jussi masterpiece.
@wiseroldfart I put it on my oscilloscope and it seems to be some kind of artifact on the tape? Back then it might have been a wire recorder. Just read about the Turandot recording in Rome. Jussi sat his daughter Charlotte in the back row of the mostly empty hall during the Questa Reggia recording and told her in so many words " get a load of this".
Yes a lyric spinto tenor of flawless technique But he did not have as big a voice as many fans insist. Yes surely big enough to sing and carry with point in his roles and very smart he never sang what he could not handle, like Calaf or Verdi roles where stentorian power is needed on stage. He had great low notes and high notes and a beauty and like Gigli and Bergonzi of the lyric mold. I heard him live in 1958 as the Duke, no problem, beautiful He had a rock solid tech and died too young 49
@SHICOFF1 Lyric spinto? That's actually the full term for tenors like Corelli and Domingo, who are more commonly referred to as "spinto". Jussi was a lyric tenor, no spinto at all.
You're right about the size of his voice, though. He had a very small voice (more proof there is no "spinto" in the description). However, he had incredible resonance, so that small voice carried VERY well. And, of course, his voice was also gorgeous!
There are many ways to sing this aria : like a sly guy on the make trying to impress the pretty neighbor he just met, or belting it out for the peanut gallery, but ONLY Björling sings it the way it SHOULD be sung: like a poet who has just been struck by the lightning of love at first sight.
I was 17 years old when I first heard this aria over 30 years ago on the Bjorling / Merrill / De Los Angeles recording. Listening to Jussi is the reason I started singing so many years ago. This is an amazing LIVE recording, and as always, Jussi is about as close to perfect as you can get. :)
One of greatest voices in recorded history - for me Björling and Caruso are the "masters" as far as Puccini is concerned. Björling more lyrical - Caruso more spinto. GREAT to have recordings by these geniouses!
Di Stefano had some difficulties,but no singer ever - not even Bjorling! - had Di Stefanos fantastic pianissimos. But this aria is Bjorlings, LA Boheme is his, singin with Tebaldi, Albanese, De Los Angeles, it doesn't matter, the voice goes into your soul and stays there...
I don't want to get into an argument of who is the better singer.......there are so many aspects to a performance one might examine to allocate points to each singer. Let me just say, this man remains one of my favourites - he ALWAYS stirs my emotions.
Bjorling has the purest voice. It leaves no questions. I grew up with Pavarotti, Domingo and Carreras, but only when I heard Jussi Bjorling, I forgot them, and can not listen to them again, because now I understand what a pure voice is... and the high C!
Sorry but there is a consensus; Björling made the greatest Che Gelida ever! I like your italian guys a lot and each of them are best on some of the great arias but Che Gelida is Björlings. One of the arias he owns!
Wow! Wow! I have to agree with you. I am a huge DiStefano fan, but Bjorling has him beat on this aria. This version is off the charts. I would cut off one of my legs with a dull pocketknife to be able to sing like this.
@Repulsion100 As with any voice, aria, or a particular voice singing the aria, any 'consensus' only ever comes down to the individual listening to it, based upon their unique emotional identification with the piece & the tonal quality. This is why the speculation as to who is the greatest is pointless, because very few of us want to hear one voice sing everything, any more than we want to hear a cello to the exclusion of all other instruments!
@hiyadroogs Completely agree with you. You are "kickin open doors" here. To understand my comment you should have seen the i turned to. It´s now removed. On the top you can see Violonthief also answering the same guy. It was an Italian "agorante" claiming that every Italian was better than Björling in general and sang Che gelida better than Björling in particular. So i reacted strongly with the word "consensus" just to show that i´m not alone. Preferance is always downt to taste!
This is the best of Bjorlin'gs recordings of Che Gelida Manina. He's in perfect voice, amazing control. On stage, he did not look comfortable, and some times his singing was a bit affected by it. Only by his great standards could anyone say that: but here, his vioce and interpretation are as pure as they get. He was a great tenor, among the true masters of the tenor voice.
Tenors have their signature songs and only Carlo Bergonzi who is known for this song recorded probably the most beautiful version of the aria though in everything else he cannot compare to Jussi.
@snivelinjack: all a matter of opinion who sung it the best - as it should be! I personally think this Björling version is divine, but I also like the versions of Gigli, Caruso, Lanza, Pavarotti and others. It is an absolutely fantastic aria - cheers to Puccini !
My personal favorite is the 1906 Caruso version - but, again - all opinion !!
I just think it is unbelievable how he kept the sound so in the mask, unmoved from the lowest note, on ANY vowel, all the way to the highest note...he kept the SAME position..somehow...
PBS should PLAY these CDS on television with the PHOTOGRAPHS of singers from the GOLDEN PERIOD OF SINGING. It would be FAR SUPERIOR than what is "aired" with all the machinations of scenery, acting, costumes which OBFUSCATE the real essence of Opera,
If I truly had a choice of which voice I would truly love to have, and I love Lanza dearly, also Pavarotti and Domingo, I would choose Bjoerling, hands down. I think he has the greatest qualities of any tenor to date.
Bjorling's ability to hit the high C's and balance both the power and sweetness is almost unparalleled: only DiStefano does this with the same strength and emotion. Bjorling belongs in the handfull of the greatest tenors ever: just listen to the power of this finish. As for his Italian: I speak Italian, and his diction is precise and articulate. No one sang for Toscanini if his diction was not flawless.
@jd1906sf I agree completely. His voice is warm and full of emotion, and manages to sing with flawless technique at such great ease! Its amazing how beautiful a voice can be when you listen to tenors of the quality of Jussi. What a beautiful voice, only paralleled by my other favorite, Di Stefano.
good luck ever hearing another tenor like this guy. ill say it again as i have said elsewhere, probably the most perfect singer ever.. thank you so much, by the way, do you play the violin, or just steal them. thanks again.
I believe Donald Braswell II could a do a good of this today....I remember Jussi from when I was Girl . We were "Forced" to listen to Classical music at school
Jussi Bjoerling was a splendid tenor who KNEW how to sing without pushing his voice unlike ALL the tenors today who believe that shouting and opening a cavernous mouth is technique. Opera is a farce today.
A tenor hiting and holding a ringing high c is one of the thrilling moments in singing. Therefore, Jussi just thrilled the crap out of me with that amazing high C. And Artis-ticz, I agree. That was the best hi-c I've ever heard too.
The first opera recording (vinyl) I ever bought was La Boheme with Jussi Bjoerling and Victoria De Los Angeles. I was quite young and considered opera among the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard. Still do. I cannot tell one note from another but think that if you are moved by a piece of music, that's enough. This one still moves me!
gorgeous voice..... there is no such thing as perfection.....yes he does have flaws, but beauty is in the flaws. you people need to learn this. Stop all of this comparing garbage and just appreciate each singer for the individuality they bring to the music.
It's SO weird to me, and I'm sure this opinion is a pretty singular one given Bjorling's legend, but not only has Bjorling's timbre never appealed to me, but it sounds as if he's "stretching" the voice up to just about every note, and like he never fully "places" his voice in a note, except on some rare high notes. I swear the intonation is just not right all of the time, too.
Is it just me or is Jussi like the best tenor you've ever heard! I think he has beautiful taste and great sensitivity and then he has incredible power when he needs it.
@libere The word 'best' for me is always problematic since it is so subjective but if I were offered the choice of tickets on the same night for Bjorling or.........you name any other world class tenor.......I would choose the Bjorlingm performance. I never heard him person.
@libere he surely is in the top 3 of all time.an absolutely stunning voice and i think no one tops him on this.1destefano2bjorling 3 caruso.im not looking to argue or dis any of the great tenors past or present.but i think jussi is not as recognized as the best ever and he probably is.im italian american and i am not favoring any of the great italian tenors.i would not be suprized if more people think jussi is the best ever.
@0311RFLMN Well, in several polls among opera lovers allower the world he has been voted the gretaest tenor ever. USA, England, Chile, Argentina etc. The latest was in the US "Opera" 2005, 45 years after he died and with several great tenors inbetween! But you already said that this would not surprise you!
one of the 1st arias I learned. I listened to Bjorling & Gedda, over and over. And no way in the world, do I believe anyone can even come close to Bjorling.
We may be able to point out "flaws," but whatever they are (if there are any), there is no pointing out that this voice is not but one thing: the best there is--perfection.
recordings before are not great unlike today.. so please.. broaden your mind.. if you hear a small voice but people say its a big voice then it must be recorded before 1900's.. ok.. reaearch man!!
For me Bjorling was a perfect singer, really no bad habits he was a classy singer. He had a cute little catch sometimes almost a slight sob when he took a breath in a hurry live and on recording but it's perfectly fine. Very great post for us all to enjoy and she was terrific and so attractive here.
This is going on my favorites, just gets better and better every time I listen to it. His Met debut as Rodolfo was November of that year (1938), where was this particular one performed?
Very beautiful and his 1949 live radio performance of this aria on the Standard hour in SF Calif. has a 9 sec, high C that even goes beyond this one for great beauty. Was this from a complete 1938 Boheme in Sweden? The JBS society has issued 15 Che Gelida's I have it and will check but of course 2 of them are Studio, 1951 from a recital RCA LP and 1956 from the complete Opera on RCA. The 1949 is on that CD and is my favorite.
one of the best High C's that you'll ever hear in your whole entire life. I've only heard a Young Pavarotti sing C's like that & in the twightlight of his career Hitting Notes you'd think he couldn't hit anymore.
This is the 1st real aria I learned. Bjoerling was my goal--never accomplished of course. His top note is nothing to sneeze at. It is fantastic. And the voice quality is the same, whether high or low--yay. His musicianship and the beautiful silver of his voice, stunningly, shimmers. Maybe it's the Norse quality. It's clear, vibrato perfect, clean, pure; has so much heart. --A star in the sky.
I never saw the post of the crazy guy but another nut case posts quite often on josef Schmidt posts, as for Lanza he loved Bjoerling's voice and early on at hollywood bowl in 1947 Lanza gave some fine singing with George London and Yeend, sop. Glad you can remove some posts by idiots but I wish the ones that slander Schmidt would be removed also. I have 15 Che Gelida'S with Bjoerling AND THE TWO STUDIO ONES 1951 AND 1956 COMPLETE of course so I must have this one, all very fine.
his voice is nothing at all like Caruso, not at all-- Caruso was more spinto and Bjorling more lyric and nordic in sound. Great voice, one is silver the other is gold, Caruso was hotter and Bjoerling, well he sang lieder and German very well, early on Mozart etc. Great artist, both great but different.
ouch, jussi hits that high note in such an impossibly beautiful way that it completely ruins my taste for ANY of the pop music today. Today, they all sound like crap compared to this. Its the dimension beyond sentiment that I sometimes forget is even there until one of these guys reminds me
Though only 27 ,this was Bjorling in his prime.The sustained B at the end is as good a note you will ever hear.The amazing thing about Jussi is that his voice did not break as a teenager it just modulated,so you can hear recordings of Jussi and his brothers when he was 11 and recognize the voice.
His voice did break. That is a ridiculous statement. Listen to his lower register and the shift into head voice. It may be recogniseable the same way a prepubescent face of a particular individual may be recogniseable to someone who has seen them as an adult. I've never heard an endocrinal castrati ( which is what Jussi would have been if his voice did not break) with such a masculine sound.
The way I look at Lanza is that he's a singer with a very good tenor voice who is not an impressive tenor. Having a good tenor voice does not make a man an good tenor. It takes much more than that!
Its music like this that ignites the passion of the soul. Pure beauty and pure bliss. Live well and go to Heaven, be with the great ones for all eternity. Three new members this year Anna Moffo, Luciano, and yes Robert Goulet. There are great baritones there also.
It breaks my heart and I am reduced to tears just hearing the majestic, yet so tender voice of Jussi Bjorling. His God=given mastery overshadows even my beloved Pavarotti and Caruso and Gigli. His songs resonate through Paradise and the angels cry in awe.
Oh...there are arias that he sang, and there are arias that he SANG. Che gelida manina is one of these beautiful ones. His voice can melt you seventy years later.
I think your comment is more applicable to singers who sing only in French, German, or Russian rather than to those who sing exclusively in Italian. Then there are those singers who refused to sing in certain languages, such as Lily Pons, who never sang anything in German. At the beginning of her career, she sang only in French, which would not have contributed to her becoming famous worldwide, so typical of many great French singers, e.g. Maurice Renaud and Edmond Clement.
"Flower Song" in French. He was never satisfied with his French, but I think it was perfectly fine. Certain singers preferred not to sing in a language that they were not comfortable with, such as Tebaldi, who still maintained an international career.
Violinthief, I agree with you about Lanza's not being in the same league as Bjorling, and also the fact that both Lanza and Pavarotti popularized opera. But I do think Pavarotti is in the same league as Bjorling. I'm not saying he was as good a singer overall as Bjorling, but he can at least be compared on the same basis, and some might reasonably prefer Pavarotti. Just as Bjorling IMO is not quite as fine as Caruso, but there is a rationale for discussion and debate.
Agreed. I was praising Lanza for popularizing opera and then mentioned Pav in the same vein. In no way was I saying Pav was inferior - he was the dominant Italian tenor of his generation. I'd take Caruso and Gigli over Pav, but then again, I'd take them over just about anybody. Comparing Bjorling to the Italians is more a debate over style and tone than ability.
Obviously you haven't heard caruso live because he was before your time. All you have to go on is old fashioned recordings by caruso. The sound quality on those is really very bad (no wonder coming from the early 1900's) so to say he is better is a BIG understatement. You could come back with people back then said this & that blah blah how great he was. Just like pavarotti today except we can/could hear his voice clearly with today's times.
My friends, please listen to a Russian version of this wonderful aria by Sergei Lemeshev on Youtube. While not known to Western audiences, it is clear that he needs to be included in the discussion of the best tenors of the mid-20th century!
3:29 amazing note - perfection!
nebukanezer73 2 weeks ago
Jussi's Pearl Fishers duet with Robert Merrilll was one of top ten favourites in UK for many years.
go watch
...
brssgirl 2 months ago
Pavarotti in 1961 was better in my opinion, he had more power in the highest notes.
This guy sounds like a man singing very, very good.
Pavarotti sounds like god(I'm an atheist..), or some kind of machine...
I do agree Jussi Bjorling has a lot of plus points to later pavarotti. He has a higher sound which is more compelling sometimes, but Pavarotti has that metallic sound in the high C's which made him so popular. Probably, Pavarotti just got too fat in his later years.
Florencione 2 months ago
His Italian is a bit shaky, but I think it adds to his charm.
azzura1950 3 months ago
This seriously needs som more views!
gundeduscharsnabbt 3 months ago
I don't mean to offend anyone, who loves another Tenor above Jussi, but to ME all other voices (yes even Di Stefano's, Gigli's and Caruso's) pale into significance when compared to Jussi's mellow trumpet.
Bjorlingmiracle 3 months ago 4
What I find the most fascinating about Bjorling is the inherent melancholy in his voice that makes anything he sings so incredibly poignant. Oh and such note-perfect technique, too! A shame he died so young still at the height of his powers.
mozartman2000 4 months ago 5
He is not sharp to my ear. He hits his notes on the top of the round not on the bottom as too many others do.
drmrlevit 5 months ago 2
incredible !
MrFrenchaccent 6 months ago
i adore this guy, but he goes sharp on the C... or maybe it is because of the recording.
anyway... who cares. this is a beautiful voice..... everybody is allowed to be human....
MariaCaIIas 6 months ago
@MariaCaIIas All tenors should go so sharp (which he actually doesn't) on their C
vpo2g2 5 months ago
There have been many very great tenors in the past, and they have all had some in credible performances with certain arias at certain times. However, in my opinion I don't think any tenor has sung so many roles, so many arias, so many songs so well overall as Bjorling. And I agree with vpo2g2----"His vibrato means freedom", show me a tenor with a free voice like Bjorling. It is something he learned very early in his singing life--as a child.
Shoreseeker2 7 months ago 3
What a mighty test for a human being to be in possession of such a powerfully beautiful instrument.
iansdigby 7 months ago in playlist jossy bjorling opera
His vibrato, gentlemen, means freedom. Bjorling's was totally natural -- listen closely.
vpo2g2 7 months ago 4
I wish I was there ... can't imagine how stunning it was when listening live
madebywilson 8 months ago 2
Quite splendid. A real pleasure and joy to listen to such an outstanding rendition. Thank you for posting!
The99Gambo 8 months ago
Sublime.
The99Gambo 9 months ago
@GAYTENOR yes, I noticed that wide Vibrato long ago and yet some fan told me it was when he had to much emotion at the moment but I think as you say it was when he went for more volume and sometimes in Studio rec. it also happens, a kind of a wide vibrato and as you say almost to a wobble but as far as the sharp occasional high C that may be intentional for excitement. I prefer Sharp to flat. When I first became aware of JB in 1954 a friend pointed that out to me . I had not noticed it.
SHICOFF1 9 months ago
@SHICOFF1 Yes, he did exaggerate his vibrato in several recordings and sometimes wandered in and out of key. I'm not crazy about the recordings in which he did this. However, when he was on, he was amazing.
Dial up this gem of a duet he did with Robert Merrill: 'Jussi Bjorling sings Io l'ho perduta! Dio che nell' posted by 302MarkVII. This is one of the reasons I can't pick between Jussi and Caruso. Bjorling's highs really shine here. Notice how in synch the vibratos are in the duets. Amazing!
wiseroldfart 9 months ago 2
@wiseroldfart I had mentioned to you in the past that Bjorling was a little cold,But this is not the case here.As far as the vibrato thats applied , I find it appealing and I think he sounds warmer because of it. He pushes a little at the end and theres a slight break which gives his voice some excitement, which for me was missing more often than not.Bjorling was another voice that was almost incapable of putting out an ugly sound.Enjoy
sugarbist 9 months ago
@turidduni perhaps you mean the Vibrato in his voice on the High C which sounds slightly sharp and can be in the recording also? I doubt he was at his limit and recorded a D flat but in the studio in the 30's. He did have a habit of occasionally singing slightly on the sharp side on top only---- better than flat! I like early JB better then late JB. This was a signature aria for him.
SHICOFF1 9 months ago
@arronsande Yes I would agree with you he was a lyric tenor, I meant was what he sang and in the interview old fart mentions which I have had for about 40 years Mr Wagner in 1958 asked JB about what kind of role Aida was for tenor. JB said a Spinto role then Wagner asks him a loaded question, he asked are you than spinto and JB said one word, Yes. Well I don't agree with that according too today's classification. Back in 1958 maybe the meaning was different. Times change and language too.
SHICOFF1 9 months ago
@SHICOFF1 Did you notice that even at this very early date in his career Bjorling was pushing notes above the stave for more volume to the point where the c'' is actually close to c#'' and the slight break in the voice as he finishes the climatic phrase? I'm always amazed at how the Jussians constantly overlook the very wide vibrato that verges on a wobble when he pushes his glorious voice.
gaytenor 9 months ago
@gaytenor If you listen closely, you will notice that the break is just an unevenness in the tape recording. I think most fans are aware of Jussi's distinct vibrato - and they like it. It has no similarity to a wobble since there is no (wrong) pressure.
BuryTone 3 months ago 2
@BuryTone You're replying to an oddball tenor wannabe who thinks Tucker was among the elite tenors.
wiseroldfart 2 months ago
Average
tamaria6564 9 months ago
@tamaria6564 Stupid
Katyclarinet 9 months ago
amazing
bluryd 9 months ago
SUBLIME!!!!!
bodiloto 9 months ago
When a MAN brings tears in another MANs eyes. And both of are heterosexual?Jussi Björling and Siriusfanatriker is a perfect example!! Teknik as we say in Swedish is overrated. Music is all about feeling. Bergonzi and somewhat all of theml. Can they bring tears in your eyes good people?
Siriusfanatiker 10 months ago
such sweet and harmonious voice... beautiful!
indgiu 1 year ago
@AARONSANDE I agree with you completely- he was a lyric not spinto but when I say lyric Spinto I mean he sang some Spinto roles like Trovatore and sang in Aida, in Europe and in Chicago once, three performances but in the interview when he said he was a Spinto I find it hard to imagine-- so I do agree with you. I did hear him in 1958 as the Duke in Chicago, as you say a Lyric! I agree. Just different meaning to some.
SHICOFF1 1 year ago
Splendido!!!
Fasolt100 1 year ago
Splendido!!!
Ogni altro commento, è superfluo.
Fasolt100 1 year ago
I think that's a C#
jackylimzw 1 year ago
Beautiful voice, well balanced across his range, but definitely pushing the limit of his range on the high C. Listen to Bergonzi's version or Big Luciano of course. The beauty of these great singers is the unique qualities of the voices, hence why not all tenor repertoires are suited to all tenors. Thank you for sharing this video.
turidduni 1 year ago
@turidduni Personally i cant hear anything wrong with that C, i think it is quiet beautiful. Soundquality might be slightly better in these clips making it easier to judge these things :
watch?v=PJ-TdhsjLbw
watch?v=dJL1LqX9Uao
Bla7695976565486 1 year ago
@turidduni I disagree. He sounds so relaxed on that C. He could have easily held it for 30 seconds.
seektheforce 1 year ago
@turidduni Also disagree! I think you have not listened to Björlings high C! If anyone could do the high C without pushing to the limit it was Björling. I can look up some magic historical high C from Björling if you want?
suffes 1 year ago
@turidduni: Jussi had no problem with high notes. it's probably the recording or possibly one of the very few bad days he had in a span of 30 years. If you listen to most of his recordings, you'll see what I mean. Listen to the way he ends 'O Holy Night.' In fact, the whole song is a Jussi masterpiece.
wiseroldfart 11 months ago
@wiseroldfart I put it on my oscilloscope and it seems to be some kind of artifact on the tape? Back then it might have been a wire recorder. Just read about the Turandot recording in Rome. Jussi sat his daughter Charlotte in the back row of the mostly empty hall during the Questa Reggia recording and told her in so many words " get a load of this".
madisonelectronic 11 months ago
Yes a lyric spinto tenor of flawless technique But he did not have as big a voice as many fans insist. Yes surely big enough to sing and carry with point in his roles and very smart he never sang what he could not handle, like Calaf or Verdi roles where stentorian power is needed on stage. He had great low notes and high notes and a beauty and like Gigli and Bergonzi of the lyric mold. I heard him live in 1958 as the Duke, no problem, beautiful He had a rock solid tech and died too young 49
SHICOFF1 1 year ago 2
@SHICOFF1 Lyric spinto? That's actually the full term for tenors like Corelli and Domingo, who are more commonly referred to as "spinto". Jussi was a lyric tenor, no spinto at all.
You're right about the size of his voice, though. He had a very small voice (more proof there is no "spinto" in the description). However, he had incredible resonance, so that small voice carried VERY well. And, of course, his voice was also gorgeous!
aaronsande 1 year ago
@aaronsande in a radio interview bjorling classes himself as a spinto!!!
hobo1975 1 year ago
Since I can think I always loved Gigli most of all tenors...
This version from Bjorlings is so beautiful and could become my new favorite...
calla4711 1 year ago
Brilliant!
showusyertube 1 year ago 2
Love Pavarotti but this is beautiful! Is it because it is couched in the strings of the time and the 'distant' recording?
showusyertube 1 year ago
INCOMPARABLE
AWISEMD 1 year ago 3
There are many ways to sing this aria : like a sly guy on the make trying to impress the pretty neighbor he just met, or belting it out for the peanut gallery, but ONLY Björling sings it the way it SHOULD be sung: like a poet who has just been struck by the lightning of love at first sight.
Partnerfrance 1 year ago
Hehe, you know who I listen to when I am mowing the lawn? Jussi Bjoerling, his laser pin-pointed voice/perfect squillo, help cut the grass :D
seektheforce 1 year ago 3
I was 17 years old when I first heard this aria over 30 years ago on the Bjorling / Merrill / De Los Angeles recording. Listening to Jussi is the reason I started singing so many years ago. This is an amazing LIVE recording, and as always, Jussi is about as close to perfect as you can get. :)
DonONealLeBlanc 1 year ago
This is singing as it should be, but there is NO ONE ON THE OPERATIC STAGE who CAN DUPLICATE THIS. BJORLING was a SINGER TO THE CORE.
MrSkylark1 1 year ago
I know I'm gonna get totally owned for this but he seems to flat quite a bit in this!?
donerlich 1 year ago
3.23-3.35. It's unbelievable. The windows must've cracked. And the beautiful pianissimo at the end...
zgopify 1 year ago 3
They say that he couldn't act on the stage. Who cares, when his voice just like an arrow of beauty hit your heart.
petereuropa 1 year ago
Who could sing this as marvelous as him today. Simply great!
JussidelMonaco 1 year ago
I turned on the ceiling fan a few minutes ago because I was hot and sweating. I now have chills and goosebumps listening to Jussi Bjorling.
NKWIAM 1 year ago
Gigli was the best !
wolfganganderl 1 year ago
Glorious, pure vocal sound. He owns this aria. Each note seems to reach out from the soul. Exquisite! I'm so grateful to hear this today.
operasprite 1 year ago 10
Envoyé le contre-ut! Sans doute un des rôles le plus propice à son timbre éternellement juvénile.
abracadabranque 1 year ago
One of greatest voices in recorded history - for me Björling and Caruso are the "masters" as far as Puccini is concerned. Björling more lyrical - Caruso more spinto. GREAT to have recordings by these geniouses!
tomfroekjaer 1 year ago
Di Stefano had some difficulties,but no singer ever - not even Bjorling! - had Di Stefanos fantastic pianissimos. But this aria is Bjorlings, LA Boheme is his, singin with Tebaldi, Albanese, De Los Angeles, it doesn't matter, the voice goes into your soul and stays there...
zgopify 1 year ago
wow. just wow. all i can say is wow. a god among mortals.
FacePaster 1 year ago 4
I don't want to get into an argument of who is the better singer.......there are so many aspects to a performance one might examine to allocate points to each singer. Let me just say, this man remains one of my favourites - he ALWAYS stirs my emotions.
oznoddy 1 year ago
Bjorling has the purest voice. It leaves no questions. I grew up with Pavarotti, Domingo and Carreras, but only when I heard Jussi Bjorling, I forgot them, and can not listen to them again, because now I understand what a pure voice is... and the high C!
PeterGreatThe 1 year ago 17
OMG ! Bjorling constantly reassures that he is the purest tenor of all time ! All the others illicit "wows", but Bjorling illicits WOWS AND TEARS.
snivelinjack 1 year ago 4
He's the one and the only simple the best.He has a nordic or a Swedish tone that I love.Well i'm from Sweden of course.
tullen52 1 year ago
Sorry but there is a consensus; Björling made the greatest Che Gelida ever! I like your italian guys a lot and each of them are best on some of the great arias but Che Gelida is Björlings. One of the arias he owns!
Repulsion100 1 year ago 8
Wow! Wow! I have to agree with you. I am a huge DiStefano fan, but Bjorling has him beat on this aria. This version is off the charts. I would cut off one of my legs with a dull pocketknife to be able to sing like this.
tonybada1 1 year ago 4
@Repulsion100 As with any voice, aria, or a particular voice singing the aria, any 'consensus' only ever comes down to the individual listening to it, based upon their unique emotional identification with the piece & the tonal quality. This is why the speculation as to who is the greatest is pointless, because very few of us want to hear one voice sing everything, any more than we want to hear a cello to the exclusion of all other instruments!
hiyadroogs 1 year ago
@hiyadroogs Completely agree with you. You are "kickin open doors" here. To understand my comment you should have seen the i turned to. It´s now removed. On the top you can see Violonthief also answering the same guy. It was an Italian "agorante" claiming that every Italian was better than Björling in general and sang Che gelida better than Björling in particular. So i reacted strongly with the word "consensus" just to show that i´m not alone. Preferance is always downt to taste!
Repulsion100 1 year ago
This is the best of Bjorlin'gs recordings of Che Gelida Manina. He's in perfect voice, amazing control. On stage, he did not look comfortable, and some times his singing was a bit affected by it. Only by his great standards could anyone say that: but here, his vioce and interpretation are as pure as they get. He was a great tenor, among the true masters of the tenor voice.
jd1906sf 2 years ago 5
Incredible !! Has anyone sung this better? Or even equaled it?
snivelinjack 2 years ago 6
Tenors have their signature songs and only Carlo Bergonzi who is known for this song recorded probably the most beautiful version of the aria though in everything else he cannot compare to Jussi.
mannyekin 2 years ago
@snivelinjack: all a matter of opinion who sung it the best - as it should be! I personally think this Björling version is divine, but I also like the versions of Gigli, Caruso, Lanza, Pavarotti and others. It is an absolutely fantastic aria - cheers to Puccini !
My personal favorite is the 1906 Caruso version - but, again - all opinion !!
tomfroekjaer 2 years ago 2
Amazing, inspiring and truely beautiful.
Bravo!
lizardking125 2 years ago 8
The best tenor ever.
danmessias 2 years ago 9
@danmessias
So the best tenor ever!
thirstonthethird 2 years ago 5
I just think it is unbelievable how he kept the sound so in the mask, unmoved from the lowest note, on ANY vowel, all the way to the highest note...he kept the SAME position..somehow...
Webarton 2 years ago 4
PBS should PLAY these CDS on television with the PHOTOGRAPHS of singers from the GOLDEN PERIOD OF SINGING. It would be FAR SUPERIOR than what is "aired" with all the machinations of scenery, acting, costumes which OBFUSCATE the real essence of Opera,
SUPERB SINGING
796824 2 years ago 3
I totally agree. Maestro Björling is simply uniquely great.
guanacadecorazon12 1 year ago 3
Wow, at once so powerful a voice and then he can end it with a soft and gentle coo!
wheelnut059 2 years ago 3
This man had it. I love his work
wheelnut059 2 years ago 3
The essence of romance
gilraen789 2 years ago 4
effortless beauty!
eyestrained07 2 years ago 4
A live performance? Awsome!!!
Mr30648270 2 years ago 6
I am taken three steps closer to heaven when I listen to this.
quietdepths 2 years ago 7
If I truly had a choice of which voice I would truly love to have, and I love Lanza dearly, also Pavarotti and Domingo, I would choose Bjoerling, hands down. I think he has the greatest qualities of any tenor to date.
scrollersam 2 years ago 25
Magnificent, magnificent, magnificent......
scrollersam 2 years ago 3
Bjorling's ability to hit the high C's and balance both the power and sweetness is almost unparalleled: only DiStefano does this with the same strength and emotion. Bjorling belongs in the handfull of the greatest tenors ever: just listen to the power of this finish. As for his Italian: I speak Italian, and his diction is precise and articulate. No one sang for Toscanini if his diction was not flawless.
jd1906sf 2 years ago 42
@jd1906sf I agree completely. His voice is warm and full of emotion, and manages to sing with flawless technique at such great ease! Its amazing how beautiful a voice can be when you listen to tenors of the quality of Jussi. What a beautiful voice, only paralleled by my other favorite, Di Stefano.
eryklegarcon 1 year ago
good luck ever hearing another tenor like this guy. ill say it again as i have said elsewhere, probably the most perfect singer ever.. thank you so much, by the way, do you play the violin, or just steal them. thanks again.
operalament 2 years ago 11
I believe Donald Braswell II could a do a good of this today....I remember Jussi from when I was Girl . We were "Forced" to listen to Classical music at school
I'm so glad that happened...
Thanks for the memory Jussi.. Bravo
Paulol100 2 years ago 2
Absoluttley beautifull. Bravo! Bravo!
bjornthesinger 2 years ago 3
Singers used to listen to Bjorling records. Now they probably listen to mario Del Monaco, since they shout instead of sing.
mozzrt 2 years ago 4
I listen to Jussi Bjoerling. I am a singer. His perfection is something to strive for, not necessarily emulate. I hope that makes sense.
seektheforce 2 years ago 2
Jussi Bjorling was a great singer, I like him a lot, but I think Ramon Vargas does a pretty good job nowadays.
ancutzili 2 years ago
anybody feels like singing that after him???
youranassol 2 years ago 5
Jussi Bjoerling was a splendid tenor who KNEW how to sing without pushing his voice unlike ALL the tenors today who believe that shouting and opening a cavernous mouth is technique. Opera is a farce today.
796824 2 years ago 5
Holy @#%@%T what a fermata on that C.
If I were a tenor he'd be my GOD. Been one of my favorites ever since I bought that classic Pearl Fishers duets and arias CD.
Caredhel 2 years ago 2
best C i've ever heard!!! the power was phenominal
Artisticz 2 years ago 5
A tenor hiting and holding a ringing high c is one of the thrilling moments in singing. Therefore, Jussi just thrilled the crap out of me with that amazing high C. And Artis-ticz, I agree. That was the best hi-c I've ever heard too.
JoelBWeisberg 2 years ago 5
Nice High C and it is in key he was only 27 but already a super star.
halavey 2 years ago 4
so nice.
teatowel23 2 years ago
Absolutely unsurpassed !
snivelinjack 2 years ago 3
What an amazing voice this man had! His notes, both high and low, with beautiful vabrato tone, both high and low, are unsurpassed. Fan from USA
sas9023055 2 years ago 4
you are not alone.... I think the same
olddeudynku 2 years ago 2
Ahh the voice of a poet, yes... I love you Jussi!
Laeliapurpurata 2 years ago 4
superb!!!
plastic58frog 2 years ago
It sounds like it is sung in a lower key.
Chivalryaintdead 2 years ago
The first opera recording (vinyl) I ever bought was La Boheme with Jussi Bjoerling and Victoria De Los Angeles. I was quite young and considered opera among the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard. Still do. I cannot tell one note from another but think that if you are moved by a piece of music, that's enough. This one still moves me!
fortissimo65 3 years ago 3
@fortissimo65 That is still my favourite recording - Beecham conducting??
RatherLargeAllan 2 years ago
gorgeous voice..... there is no such thing as perfection.....yes he does have flaws, but beauty is in the flaws. you people need to learn this. Stop all of this comparing garbage and just appreciate each singer for the individuality they bring to the music.
SoundAndFury12 3 years ago 9
I have chills listening to him.
NKWIAM 3 years ago
It's SO weird to me, and I'm sure this opinion is a pretty singular one given Bjorling's legend, but not only has Bjorling's timbre never appealed to me, but it sounds as if he's "stretching" the voice up to just about every note, and like he never fully "places" his voice in a note, except on some rare high notes. I swear the intonation is just not right all of the time, too.
Am I alone in hearing this? Kinda drives me nuts.
Footlancer 3 years ago
I completely agree. You're nuts.
Agorante 3 years ago 4
"Am I alone in hearing this?"
Yes.
jblacktree 3 years ago 5
maybe you should have your speakers/headphones/ears checked ;-)
saiserieht 3 years ago
Just incredible.
Abnoba35 3 years ago 5
I love this singer. I don´t write more, cause I have to cry.
hecstork 3 years ago 8
Is it just me or is Jussi like the best tenor you've ever heard! I think he has beautiful taste and great sensitivity and then he has incredible power when he needs it.
libere 3 years ago 54
@libere The word 'best' for me is always problematic since it is so subjective but if I were offered the choice of tickets on the same night for Bjorling or.........you name any other world class tenor.......I would choose the Bjorlingm performance. I never heard him person.
Aled
ifuliki 1 year ago
@libere no - it's not just you. He's special.
greencheetah 1 year ago
@libere AGREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE x 100000000000000000000
Terrifying talent/dedication/skill/diligence/ EVERYTHING~~~~~Never Bettered nor ever will be. Stop!
biggerthanacadillac 1 year ago
@libere he surely is in the top 3 of all time.an absolutely stunning voice and i think no one tops him on this.1destefano2bjorling 3 caruso.im not looking to argue or dis any of the great tenors past or present.but i think jussi is not as recognized as the best ever and he probably is.im italian american and i am not favoring any of the great italian tenors.i would not be suprized if more people think jussi is the best ever.
0311RFLMN 10 months ago
@0311RFLMN Well, in several polls among opera lovers allower the world he has been voted the gretaest tenor ever. USA, England, Chile, Argentina etc. The latest was in the US "Opera" 2005, 45 years after he died and with several great tenors inbetween! But you already said that this would not surprise you!
suffes 10 months ago
one of the 1st arias I learned. I listened to Bjorling & Gedda, over and over. And no way in the world, do I believe anyone can even come close to Bjorling.
We may be able to point out "flaws," but whatever they are (if there are any), there is no pointing out that this voice is not but one thing: the best there is--perfection.
doggy8dog 3 years ago
Bjorling= No flaws.
Webarton 3 years ago 5
wow!! solo he escuchado una mejor versión, la de Kraus indudablemente!! ero es muy bueno ese do4
luciano1935 3 years ago
This guy was incredible.Some of his recordings of the 30s when he was in his 20s are amazing.I tell myself,how did he do that!
citrussorbet 3 years ago
recordings before are not great unlike today.. so please.. broaden your mind.. if you hear a small voice but people say its a big voice then it must be recorded before 1900's.. ok.. reaearch man!!
classic1306 3 years ago
For me Bjorling was a perfect singer, really no bad habits he was a classy singer. He had a cute little catch sometimes almost a slight sob when he took a breath in a hurry live and on recording but it's perfectly fine. Very great post for us all to enjoy and she was terrific and so attractive here.
pearlmuth3 3 years ago 2
she who?
SiEtIn1 3 years ago
The Italians used to say this about Bjorling: "He sounds Italian if you close your eyes." I see what they mean: his diction is amazing.
phantom4087 3 years ago 7
Stunning!
mariusfelix 3 years ago 3
Timeles beauty, absolute beauty, eteranl Bravo.....Bjorling!!!
Asora08 3 years ago 4
This is going on my favorites, just gets better and better every time I listen to it. His Met debut as Rodolfo was November of that year (1938), where was this particular one performed?
GermanOperaSinger 3 years ago 4
Very beautiful and his 1949 live radio performance of this aria on the Standard hour in SF Calif. has a 9 sec, high C that even goes beyond this one for great beauty. Was this from a complete 1938 Boheme in Sweden? The JBS society has issued 15 Che Gelida's I have it and will check but of course 2 of them are Studio, 1951 from a recital RCA LP and 1956 from the complete Opera on RCA. The 1949 is on that CD and is my favorite.
pearlmuth3 3 years ago 5
Fenomenal! From 3:27 to 3:39 it seems that all cells of his body are singing. This high C is out of this world.
gauss2005 3 years ago 4
one of the best High C's that you'll ever hear in your whole entire life. I've only heard a Young Pavarotti sing C's like that & in the twightlight of his career Hitting Notes you'd think he couldn't hit anymore.
Artisticz 3 years ago 3
Comment removed
GermanOperaSinger 3 years ago 2
Amazing-the best tenor I've ever heard.
viviananderson 3 years ago 2
Wow, that hight note is absolutely crazy!
evilpony1984 3 years ago
Jussi is the master of all times!
maxhansendk 3 years ago
This is the 1st real aria I learned. Bjoerling was my goal--never accomplished of course. His top note is nothing to sneeze at. It is fantastic. And the voice quality is the same, whether high or low--yay. His musicianship and the beautiful silver of his voice, stunningly, shimmers. Maybe it's the Norse quality. It's clear, vibrato perfect, clean, pure; has so much heart. --A star in the sky.
For me he is one of the best tenors, ever.
doggy8dog 3 years ago 4
I never saw the post of the crazy guy but another nut case posts quite often on josef Schmidt posts, as for Lanza he loved Bjoerling's voice and early on at hollywood bowl in 1947 Lanza gave some fine singing with George London and Yeend, sop. Glad you can remove some posts by idiots but I wish the ones that slander Schmidt would be removed also. I have 15 Che Gelida'S with Bjoerling AND THE TWO STUDIO ONES 1951 AND 1956 COMPLETE of course so I must have this one, all very fine.
pearlmuth3 3 years ago
his voice is nothing at all like Caruso, not at all-- Caruso was more spinto and Bjorling more lyric and nordic in sound. Great voice, one is silver the other is gold, Caruso was hotter and Bjoerling, well he sang lieder and German very well, early on Mozart etc. Great artist, both great but different.
pearlmuth3 3 years ago 3
ouch, jussi hits that high note in such an impossibly beautiful way that it completely ruins my taste for ANY of the pop music today. Today, they all sound like crap compared to this. Its the dimension beyond sentiment that I sometimes forget is even there until one of these guys reminds me
griffcats 4 years ago 8
Ditto!
Tristan1022 4 years ago
well said.
hamster13 3 years ago
Very fine and later his Italian improved also
pearlmuth3 4 years ago
The greatest ever!
duduvainer 4 years ago
Though only 27 ,this was Bjorling in his prime.The sustained B at the end is as good a note you will ever hear.The amazing thing about Jussi is that his voice did not break as a teenager it just modulated,so you can hear recordings of Jussi and his brothers when he was 11 and recognize the voice.
iduefoscari 4 years ago
His voice did break. That is a ridiculous statement. Listen to his lower register and the shift into head voice. It may be recogniseable the same way a prepubescent face of a particular individual may be recogniseable to someone who has seen them as an adult. I've never heard an endocrinal castrati ( which is what Jussi would have been if his voice did not break) with such a masculine sound.
emalaithdies 4 years ago 2
The way I look at Lanza is that he's a singer with a very good tenor voice who is not an impressive tenor. Having a good tenor voice does not make a man an good tenor. It takes much more than that!
TheInquisitive 4 years ago
Its music like this that ignites the passion of the soul. Pure beauty and pure bliss. Live well and go to Heaven, be with the great ones for all eternity. Three new members this year Anna Moffo, Luciano, and yes Robert Goulet. There are great baritones there also.
sigclu 4 years ago
His voice and technique is very similar to Caruso's. An amazing tenor that was Jussi!
AkuaMakahehi 4 years ago
For what I can tell neither his voice nor his technique are similar to Caruso's.
Pleas exemplify your statement.
saiserieht 4 years ago
Dorothy Caruso, his widow, was said to have thought so.
djs259 4 years ago
When Pavarotti sang next to the pop stars, he made them look like mere puppets.
Imagine puting nowadays pop stars next to Bjorling in a concert. They'll look like a bunch of scare crows!
kwanhoon 4 years ago 3
remember that he's only 27 years old singing this! outstanding!
JAnnmo 4 years ago
After Jussi, all the rest are...well...mere tenors.
vpo2g2 4 years ago
It breaks my heart and I am reduced to tears just hearing the majestic, yet so tender voice of Jussi Bjorling. His God=given mastery overshadows even my beloved Pavarotti and Caruso and Gigli. His songs resonate through Paradise and the angels cry in awe.
angelsears 4 years ago 2
Oh...there are arias that he sang, and there are arias that he SANG. Che gelida manina is one of these beautiful ones. His voice can melt you seventy years later.
goodday4guinness 4 years ago
I think your comment is more applicable to singers who sing only in French, German, or Russian rather than to those who sing exclusively in Italian. Then there are those singers who refused to sing in certain languages, such as Lily Pons, who never sang anything in German. At the beginning of her career, she sang only in French, which would not have contributed to her becoming famous worldwide, so typical of many great French singers, e.g. Maurice Renaud and Edmond Clement.
meltzerboy 4 years ago
Maxhansendk, you mention Caruso's singing of the
"Flower Song" in French. He was never satisfied with his French, but I think it was perfectly fine. Certain singers preferred not to sing in a language that they were not comfortable with, such as Tebaldi, who still maintained an international career.
meltzerboy 4 years ago
meltzerboy.
Caruso also recorded the Flower Son in Italian. It is my favorite all time performance of thia aria.
63Attila 4 years ago
Never heard the Flower Song in Italian. But I just uploaded it in French (digitally remastered Caruso version). watch?v=iwMCUo0Awn0
tomfroekjaer 3 years ago
Violinthief, I agree with you about Lanza's not being in the same league as Bjorling, and also the fact that both Lanza and Pavarotti popularized opera. But I do think Pavarotti is in the same league as Bjorling. I'm not saying he was as good a singer overall as Bjorling, but he can at least be compared on the same basis, and some might reasonably prefer Pavarotti. Just as Bjorling IMO is not quite as fine as Caruso, but there is a rationale for discussion and debate.
meltzerboy 4 years ago
Agreed. I was praising Lanza for popularizing opera and then mentioned Pav in the same vein. In no way was I saying Pav was inferior - he was the dominant Italian tenor of his generation. I'd take Caruso and Gigli over Pav, but then again, I'd take them over just about anybody. Comparing Bjorling to the Italians is more a debate over style and tone than ability.
violinthief 4 years ago
You say you'd choose Caruso over pavarotti.
Obviously you haven't heard caruso live because he was before your time. All you have to go on is old fashioned recordings by caruso. The sound quality on those is really very bad (no wonder coming from the early 1900's) so to say he is better is a BIG understatement. You could come back with people back then said this & that blah blah how great he was. Just like pavarotti today except we can/could hear his voice clearly with today's times.
Artisticz 3 years ago
My friends, please listen to a Russian version of this wonderful aria by Sergei Lemeshev on Youtube. While not known to Western audiences, it is clear that he needs to be included in the discussion of the best tenors of the mid-20th century!
pal7718 4 years ago
You are right pal7718!
I also admire Lemeshev! Lemeshev! Don´t forget Koslovsky either! Of course, only singing in russian makes an international carreer difficult.
Still all things considered -Jussi is still my number one!
Tenors who almost exclusively sing in only one (native) language (like Pavarotti) can never be considered as number one (if you ask me).
Caruso had a wonderful rendition of "the flower song" (Bizet) in french!
Many famous italian tenors sang it only in italian.
maxhansendk 4 years ago