This version made me really break in tears. This is truly one of the most tender and warmest "Che Gelida.." I've ever heard and seen. I'm watching again and I'm melting again in their emotionally charged singing. That's what Opera is supposed to do to you. Bravo Tebaldi and Bjorling! Bravo!
Too bad the part where Tebaldi does her "Mi Chiamano Mimi.." which comes next, isn't here. That's another tear jerker for me especially when she reaches for the high parts at the climax of the song. This opera is absolutely my favorite Puccini.
I have listened a lot to Bjorling and I try to learn some of the smoothness he has in the voice. Some people say i sound a bit like Bjorling,I am not so sure,perhaps a little. People can compare to my video of four arias,Maria (West side story) Che gelida ,starts on 4.19 and the high C frase starts on 7.52. (Other arias are Donna non vidi mai and Di quella pira, (two high C).
Bjorling is not singing a high C here. I hope you like my voice,and if you need a singer, call me. Kári Friðriksson
@zahraone Despite not stepping it up to hit a high C like Pavarotti did in his 1964 Moscow performance, Bjorling sounds smoother and more robust. There's more body to his voice here. I enjoy watching these two interact.
I love Bjorling! so much.. and am thusly annoyed that this is a half step down... I mean the guy had a great top - I guess all singers have weaker days. The aria just isn't as exciting (as it could be).
Of all the tenors who haver left recordings, Björling comes the closest to vocal and dramatic perfection. He sang as the composer intended, and he sang so that the emotional impact was felt by the listener. There are many great voices out there, but Björling has a special ability to move the listener without resorting to more ostentatious vocal display. That was his unique gift.
I also love Pavarotti in this role. With his own special sound. But always,always there will be Jussi. This is for me heaven on earth. Thank you for posting this. Jussi and Miss. Tebaldi. What more can you wish?
@thheijmans There is another special recording of this aria. Dial up Enrico Caruso - Che Gelida Manina (Remastered). His voice was recorded in 1906 and blended in nicely with a modern orchestra.
This is a marvelous recording. No discussion of the great voices can justly ignore the remarkable instrument, technique and heart of Bjorling. This is more than 20 years after he first started recording this aria, and it's as fresh and powerful as when he began.
it doesn't get any better than this. although i do believe jussi and vistoria de los angeles is just as goog. for sure one of the greatest tenors and one of the most beautiful tenor voices of all time.
it doesn't get any better than this. although i do beleive jussi and vistoria de los angeles is just as goog. for sure one of the greatest tenors and one of the most beautiful tenor voices of all time.
Is this from a complete La Boheme performance or excerpts on a TV show (like The Firestone Hour, Ed Sullivan)? The sound quality is so good, it doesn't sound like a live stage performance from the 50's. Is this performance available on DVD?
Jussi "in splendid isolation". He was in a class of his own. He´s technique was outstanding and compare with the beautiful voice, makes Jussi the greatest tenor ever. First is Jussi, and after him no one. then perhaps comes Pavarotti and Domingo!
No doubt Bjorling had 1 of the most beautiful quality of voices ever&a masterful tecnique.However I don't find him intimate enough as a DeStefano Gigli or Cortis.I find him slightly cold and almost indifferent at times.Even when appearing live here,there is no vibrance or warmth to the beautiful singing voice or the performance.It seems like a studio recording without theBUZZ of that live performance atmosphere, although technically&beautifully sound.Enjoy
@larvael32 I would not compare a lyric or lyric spinto to a pure Spinto with darker voices like Domingo, Corelli or Tucker to Bjorling but yes Pavoratti, Gigli and Bergonzi are better comparisons made with Bjorling, rather than a tenor like Domingo who sang a different Rep. and even though he is not a favorite of mine Domingo did some very fine singing and was a Fine artist, singing all kinds of roles. He must have a sky high IQ.
There's a brilliance to Bjoerling's timbre that is almost singular. Shicoff is correct in stating you can't compare this performance--or any performance--to Caruso's as singing into a recording horn was a totally difference technique from a using a mike. Some singers learned to sing in a way that produced a good recording and some, particularly certain sopranos, did not. Those who heard Ellen Beach Yaw in person were disappointed in all her Victor recordings in which the voice was colorless.
Well actually I meant below he sang a 6 sec. high C that was among his very best in the 1949 Standard Hour radio show "Che Gelida" from SF. The 9 ec. C was from his 1950 Ballo in New Orleans if your into good High C's!
Someone mentioned here Caruso always sang it down avoiding the C but my recording of it is in key with the high C. Caruso sang on his recording. Bjorling sang the C live best in a 1949 VAI CD Standard hour radio show with a 9 sec. high C. He sings this one down but was live here and in his 40's Sometimes live in this aria he did sing it as High B in his last years. He died in sept.1960. This was Jan 1956. I have about 11 live Che Gelida's he sang, some in Swedish. this one is 1/56
Not fair to compare Caruso to Jussi as for sound because he was singing into a horn and you lose the overtones. EC was a spinto tenor, different voice type and color anyhow from Bjorling and unless we heard them both in house the real comparison for sound does not exist but those who did hear EC in house like my late Grandfather who heard him 3 times in Chicago said he was the greatest tenor he ever heard. He heard them all from the early 1900's' until he stopped going to opera in his 90's.
His voice basically was a lyric tenor but he had fantastic low notes many lyrics didn't have and enough metal in the voice to successfully sing opera's like Trovatore and Don Carlo but many Lyrics have sung them also like Pav and Bergonzi, Hard to define it. His voice was not a large one but had enough volume for it but he did not sing Calaf, Forza, Chenier etc. He was not spinto like Corelli or Tucker but a lyric who sang some spinto roles. Lyric Spinto IMO. So many different opinions.
I love listening to him and watching her...she "knows" she is singing with the best of the Best...when he hits certain phrases and notes she just beams....
There are many ways to sing this aria : Rodolfo as seductor, Rodolfo as brash..but only Björling sings it the way it should be...Rodolfo the poet, brought to ecstacy by sudden love and giving vent to his passion. This aria should give you goosebumps and Björling does so!
@tsmlink Caruso and Bjorling are my favorites. A lot depends on the song or aria. Caruso's 1904 'Una furtiva lagrima' is the best performance I've ever heard by a tenor. I also prefer several 1904 Caruso gems. On the other hand, Caruso couldn't match Bjorling on 'Che gelida manina' or 'O holy night,' which is my favorite Bjorling performance.
Caruso apparently couldn't handle the highest notes as well as Bjorling, but no tenor ever recorded could resonate like Caruso did in the upper ranges.
Bjoerling was without equal in the history of singing. The tone, the technique, the purity! Unbelievable - thankfully he was well recorded. What a legend!
This is one of the reasons why I have Bjorling tied with Caruso for first place on my list. Several other top tenors get an honorable mention and are worth listening to for many reasons, but Bjorling and Caruso are the only tenors capable of freezing me in my tracks.
Ps. Tebaldi was rather good looking here. Or maybe the video is a bit dark, hehe. What a voice she had. She over-shadowed Jussi in the high spectra. Also much better actor than the swede. But she looks almost mesmerized at times when he sings....
@larvael32 Personally, I believe as far as lyric tenors go, Bjorling is without equal. He was the greatest of them all. Perhaps not musically, but certainly vocally and technique-wise.
@bluryd - Placido is NOT a joke, in any sense. He's one of the best, of modern-day tenors. Simply because his interpretations must stand, in comparison with Bjorling and certain others, does not MEAN that he's inferior. Bjorling and his generation, and the generation before, were .... well, exceptional. OK?
@jhb134 - Thanks! Jussi B is such a SINGULAR voice, even in the face of many tenors, of his age ... and beyond. All of us listeners .... and music, itself .... would've been much-POORER, if the Swede hadn't developed his talent and tone/timbre, and HEART, for so long a time. ... IMO.
If you were to listen attentively to how Bjorling sings, he's one of the only few greats who hardly "scoops" his voice while transiting from one note to another. This is indeed true classical singing!
This may sound coarse and uncultured...but since I know very little about opera...this Puccini must have been a real passion monger, in his own life. Not a playa but a lady's man for real. As I understand it this piece is one of the most wooing in the genre' ...and the music alone is a torrid sensual thing. Like a lot of novices, a stray version of the Nessun Dorma got my attention, but I am finding this to be my most favored piece of music...posted it on my page, in fact...
This is remarkable to me-- not only is every moment of the musical phrasing and intonation (and production of the voice) perfect, but his emphasis on each phrase or word is also perfect for what is happening in the scene. I can understand almost every word, because each sung word makes so much sense dramatically to me. Some of the genius here is of course Puccini. Still, Bjorlling never ceases to amaze me. Remarkable. And he was Swedish!
A simple comment, but he was actually Swedish not German, I first listened to him in the 1950s and for me he remains the most lyrical and beautiful tenor I have ever heard! John D
bjorling's vocal clarity is what sets him apart. many of the others seem "dark" in comparison. i would offer mario lanza and janis zabers as equals in this regard. please search, listen and comment.
all this rediculous talk about harmonic structure etc is just that , rediculous. Bjorling was an artist the likes of whom come along once in many lifetimes. his voice was beautiful, his artistry impeccable , his muscianship beyond reproach, and he technique probably the best ever. He was probably the most perfect singer ever.
@operalament I must add to this,that I listen to a lot of singers.I think Bjorling have never been "Out of tune" that I have heard.You can hear the best singer sing to high or low in a live recordings. Perhaps he is "to perfect" and needs more drama in the voice.
Tebaldi looks so sweet, being drained by beautiful notes. As a matter of fact, more than one soprano has told about the emotional impact Björling´s singing inflicted upon them, on stage or in the record studio.
He is adorable in this clip. He "gets" that Rodolfo is a young guy excited to meet a pretty girl in his building. The mugging is to die for. Singers have to be in their 30s and 40s to have the power for these roles, and most of them act their real-life age. Jussi is acting Rodolfo's age. I could just eat him up.
Each voice has its own merits. Pavarotti lyrical, Bjoerling crisp always sharp, Domingo commanding. No need to get in a lather over it. They all are very good.
@wmsbay I am a total novice at the history and technique of opera, just grateful youtube is here to enrich my world. And I agree it is silly to hold up one artist against another. Not buying tires here...right? But I will say this - no one of any musical genre' has touched me the way Jussi Bjorling has. His voice, his passion, delivery and excecution....just bedazzle me. He makes the eyes burn and the throat tight. Period.
PD is lucky to be born in this visual age. He has been on the track of success in spite of his mediocre singing technique mainly thanks to acting ability and handsome figure that no one would deny. Hence the statement that PD is one of the best tenors makes sense only when it comes to opera.
I'm always taken by the light and darkness in his voice. He has so many colours in his voice - the high B really points that strength out, but the fact is that he could utilize this ability anywhere in his range which is amazing considering the tessitura of most other lyric tenors. Fantastic...
With respect to 84years comment, he compared Peter Anders to Jussi, That's ridiculous. I heard him singing several La Boheme arias and he really struggles with some high notes. He's ok, That;s about it. Bjoering compares to Caruso and Gigli. I believe that they are the three greatest tenors of all time!
It is transposed down a half step. If you know the orchestra score you can actually see the exact point at which it was transposed down. There were and still are singers that transpose down. It's not ideal, but certainly not the end of the world.
I'm singing this next month in G. I have no problem w/this. At 64, I'm lucky to be singing well. To those who have never sung: the tenor voice is not always there as we would like it. You can find a couple of Pavarotti( the most famous "Top" of his era) live performances where he did sing it lower & some where he should have. Sometimes it is just prudent. As many of you know Caruso sang it always down. Do you think that bothered anyone? Learn to appreciate vocal beauty, IF you can.
I have watched this video many times. Every time I watch this, I cannot help but think how beautiful Ms, Renata Tebaldi is. What a lady she is! She is my love. Here smile is simply adorable. Jussi Björling is blessed to sing so effortlessly.
Oh I see what you are saying...So YT is causing it to play slower so it sounds like it is in a lower key...They need to fix that....I hate hearing songs in a different key than the composer intended.
Yeah. I'm not sure what causes it - the conversion from tape into digital or the uploading itself, but on some recordings of Led Zeppelin or other bands I try to play along to in a key I know works with the cd is sometimes half a step up or down when it's on YT. Very strange
@robcaper Who gives a (expletive deleted)? Learn something about older musical culture and save us your uneducated comments until you've matured a bit.
What are you talking about VivaRenata? What did I say wrong? Maybe because the recording is very old, it makes it sound like the key is lower. I am a pianist myself. It doesn't sound like the original key. I love Jussi Bjorling and I know he was very capable of singing it in the original key.
if you compare between bjorling and other tenores, especially this particular aria, you are so stupid and you dont know music...if you have a ears, you just know that he is the best of this aria.
Wow, when I watch vieos like this, I just thank God for youtube and for the opportunity to watch musical history and wonder as this any time I want. Thank you so much for uploading this.
No operalament, he wasn' t joking. He doesn't understand classical music. About the key change, the explanation must be that Tebaldi cannot go up so high. Her recordings are often transposed because of this, I have heard.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Agreed. The only tenor on record who rivals him musically and technically is Domingo. I don't really get the key change for this performance, though. . . .
@GermanOperaSinger Is he perhaps too technical at times? Maybe should have focused more on emotion? And also didn´t have the thrust of some other major tenors? I no nothing about this kind of music though lol. Maybe is voice is only suited to a certain selection and type of opera. He should be more respected and remembered in my home country of Sweden. He is typical swedish I guess, in that he seems a bit cold in temperament at times!? He seemed to be very caring, respectfull and kind.
@lamusicappassionata lol you question this performance of the key change. Probably the only time it was ever changed. Name one performance where Domingo hasn't had it changed?
I can listen to him only in small doses, because his voice is so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes. Surely his is the most beautiful tenor voice that ever existed, at least in the era of recorded music....
i just recently heard jussi's nessun dorma, and some of his other work. now i would be so bold as to call him my third fave tenor after mario lanza and enrico caruso.
Christ, can't stand these lamos comparing Jussi to this and that. They are not even in the same league as Jussi, so stop rating and comparing you fools; no one cares about your dumb ass thoughts. Sorry for the crude language but these mofos are so annoying i couldn't help it ;).
Jussi is a great singer, but his acting skills...
Fonseca429 4 days ago
PFFFFFFF !!! I love that interpretation more than myself !
MrFrenchaccent 1 week ago
wow.
Reading, too, what you all write, there is much more to this music than I know. That was clean expression and fine singing, that I do know.
gotahvcls 1 week ago
This version made me really break in tears. This is truly one of the most tender and warmest "Che Gelida.." I've ever heard and seen. I'm watching again and I'm melting again in their emotionally charged singing. That's what Opera is supposed to do to you. Bravo Tebaldi and Bjorling! Bravo!
tuberobotto 3 weeks ago
Too bad the part where Tebaldi does her "Mi Chiamano Mimi.." which comes next, isn't here. That's another tear jerker for me especially when she reaches for the high parts at the climax of the song. This opera is absolutely my favorite Puccini.
tuberobotto 3 weeks ago
Despite the aria was a half of tone lowered , sounds wonderful.
aguacun 1 month ago
He really starts at 1:56
danonedanone2000 1 month ago in playlist Favorite videos
He holds the high C at 5:23 - 5:28 for almost five seconds with such strength and clarity! Amazing to listen to! :)
nebukanezer73 1 month ago
@nebukanezer73 He has a great voice,BUT HERE he is singing B, NOT a HIGH C.
karifrid 1 month ago
Great post - Bjoerling was such a wonderfyul singer....all notes counted, not just the high C or B in this case!
vivadomingo1 2 months ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Pavarotti in 1961 is the best version.
Florencione 2 months ago
This may sound odd, but renatas voice touches me more than jussis, and i really love jussis singing.
joutneyman 3 months ago
thanks soo much for posting this!! I hope it never gets out of youtube :)
124235346 3 months ago
I have listened a lot to Bjorling and I try to learn some of the smoothness he has in the voice. Some people say i sound a bit like Bjorling,I am not so sure,perhaps a little. People can compare to my video of four arias,Maria (West side story) Che gelida ,starts on 4.19 and the high C frase starts on 7.52. (Other arias are Donna non vidi mai and Di quella pira, (two high C).
Bjorling is not singing a high C here. I hope you like my voice,and if you need a singer, call me. Kári Friðriksson
karifrid 3 months ago
I thougth Pavarotti was the best for this interpretation of Che gelida manina, but when I listen Jussi Björling I forget all the others.
zahraone 3 months ago
@zahraone Despite not stepping it up to hit a high C like Pavarotti did in his 1964 Moscow performance, Bjorling sounds smoother and more robust. There's more body to his voice here. I enjoy watching these two interact.
wiseroldfart 3 months ago
Very well interpreted. Not only the canzione but the acting itself. Jealous of that time, when it seemed so natural, unforced interpretations...
csabarabh 3 months ago
I love Bjorling! so much.. and am thusly annoyed that this is a half step down... I mean the guy had a great top - I guess all singers have weaker days. The aria just isn't as exciting (as it could be).
ryaneffingbrock 4 months ago
Comment removed
ryaneffingbrock 4 months ago
This is the best rendition of this aria I have heard. Wonderful, thank you.
iloirtimusiikista 4 months ago
Of all the tenors who haver left recordings, Björling comes the closest to vocal and dramatic perfection. He sang as the composer intended, and he sang so that the emotional impact was felt by the listener. There are many great voices out there, but Björling has a special ability to move the listener without resorting to more ostentatious vocal display. That was his unique gift.
TheCTConservative 4 months ago
I also love Pavarotti in this role. With his own special sound. But always,always there will be Jussi. This is for me heaven on earth. Thank you for posting this. Jussi and Miss. Tebaldi. What more can you wish?
thheijmans 4 months ago
@thheijmans There is another special recording of this aria. Dial up Enrico Caruso - Che Gelida Manina (Remastered). His voice was recorded in 1906 and blended in nicely with a modern orchestra.
wiseroldfart 3 months ago
Listening to this celestial voice shivers are running down my spine like a heavy rain!!
Bjorlingmiracle 4 months ago
This is a marvelous recording. No discussion of the great voices can justly ignore the remarkable instrument, technique and heart of Bjorling. This is more than 20 years after he first started recording this aria, and it's as fresh and powerful as when he began.
1906sfjd 4 months ago
smooth, crisp and impeccable.. masterful...
SquirrelFromGradLife 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
This is from New York, Rockefeller Centre, NBC studio. Producer's Showcase:
Festival of Music, NBC television concert (colour), January 30, 1956.
Announcer was Charles Laughton. They also sang the duet O soave fanciulla,
cond. Max Rudolph. I'm sure it will be on CD, unsure about DVD, but what a treasure
it would be in colour..
twlldinbachdel 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
This is from New York, Rockefeller Centre, NBC studio. Producer's Showcase:
Festival of Music, NBC television concert (colour), January 30, 1956.
Announcer was Charles Laughton. They also sang the duet O soave fanciulla,
cond. Max Rudolph. I'm sure it will be on CD, unsure about DVD, but what a treasure
it would be in colour..
twlldinbachdel 5 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
This is from New York, Rockefeller Centre, NBC studio. Producer's Showcase:
Festival of Music, NBC television concert (colour), January 30, 1956.
Announcer was Charles Laughton. They also sang the duet O soave fanciulla,
cond. Max Rudolph. I'm sure it will be on CD, unsure about DVD, but what a treasure
it would be in colour..
twlldinbachdel 5 months ago
This is from New York, Rockefeller Centre, NBC studio. Producer's Showcase:
Festival of Music, NBC television concert (colour), January 30, 1956.
Announcer was Charles Laughton. They also sang the duet O soave fanciulla,
cond. Max Rudolph. I'm sure it will be on CD, unsure about DVD, but what a treasure
it would be in colour..
twlldinbachdel 5 months ago
it doesn't get any better than this. although i do believe jussi and vistoria de los angeles is just as goog. for sure one of the greatest tenors and one of the most beautiful tenor voices of all time.
856285 5 months ago
it doesn't get any better than this. although i do beleive jussi and vistoria de los angeles is just as goog. for sure one of the greatest tenors and one of the most beautiful tenor voices of all time.
856285 5 months ago
Is this from a complete La Boheme performance or excerpts on a TV show (like The Firestone Hour, Ed Sullivan)? The sound quality is so good, it doesn't sound like a live stage performance from the 50's. Is this performance available on DVD?
dcgymboy 5 months ago
Thank you very much for posting that video !
It's fantastic !!!
MrFrenchaccent 5 months ago
Yes! It did put a smile on my face. Thank you
For this wonderful video
homousios 5 months ago
Scotto's acting in this scene really brings this aria to life. Ok, ok, Bjorling's amazing voice has something to do with it as well.
fatherman73 5 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
i think Pavarotti owns this aria
misslivinlife88 6 months ago
amazing vocal control
misslivinlife88 6 months ago
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Agreed. Renata dosen't sound too much like the frail femininity Puccini intended.
She had her Tosca voice on that day. Bjorling- almost matchless in this.
opera888able 6 months ago
Agreed. Renata dosen't sound too much like the frail femininity Puccini intended.
She had her Tosca voice on that day. Bjorling- matchless in this.
opera888able 6 months ago
Bjorling was so far superior with the unforced and brilliant tone. Tebaldi bellows
as a Tosca rather than Mimi.
MrSkylark1 6 months ago
Jussi "in splendid isolation". He was in a class of his own. He´s technique was outstanding and compare with the beautiful voice, makes Jussi the greatest tenor ever. First is Jussi, and after him no one. then perhaps comes Pavarotti and Domingo!
Thesnuttan52 6 months ago
No doubt Bjorling had 1 of the most beautiful quality of voices ever&a masterful tecnique.However I don't find him intimate enough as a DeStefano Gigli or Cortis.I find him slightly cold and almost indifferent at times.Even when appearing live here,there is no vibrance or warmth to the beautiful singing voice or the performance.It seems like a studio recording without theBUZZ of that live performance atmosphere, although technically&beautifully sound.Enjoy
sugarbist 6 months ago
@larvael32 I would not compare a lyric or lyric spinto to a pure Spinto with darker voices like Domingo, Corelli or Tucker to Bjorling but yes Pavoratti, Gigli and Bergonzi are better comparisons made with Bjorling, rather than a tenor like Domingo who sang a different Rep. and even though he is not a favorite of mine Domingo did some very fine singing and was a Fine artist, singing all kinds of roles. He must have a sky high IQ.
SHICOFF1 7 months ago
There's a brilliance to Bjoerling's timbre that is almost singular. Shicoff is correct in stating you can't compare this performance--or any performance--to Caruso's as singing into a recording horn was a totally difference technique from a using a mike. Some singers learned to sing in a way that produced a good recording and some, particularly certain sopranos, did not. Those who heard Ellen Beach Yaw in person were disappointed in all her Victor recordings in which the voice was colorless.
gmmix 7 months ago
Jussi is at his sublime best here. He is truely the voice of the centuary.
MrGranfield 7 months ago 3
amazing
bluryd 7 months ago
His voice is pure Silk!!!!!!
punknn08 7 months ago
I looove his voice...
Chrisdenancy 7 months ago
Well actually I meant below he sang a 6 sec. high C that was among his very best in the 1949 Standard Hour radio show "Che Gelida" from SF. The 9 ec. C was from his 1950 Ballo in New Orleans if your into good High C's!
SHICOFF1 7 months ago
Someone mentioned here Caruso always sang it down avoiding the C but my recording of it is in key with the high C. Caruso sang on his recording. Bjorling sang the C live best in a 1949 VAI CD Standard hour radio show with a 9 sec. high C. He sings this one down but was live here and in his 40's Sometimes live in this aria he did sing it as High B in his last years. He died in sept.1960. This was Jan 1956. I have about 11 live Che Gelida's he sang, some in Swedish. this one is 1/56
SHICOFF1 7 months ago
Not fair to compare Caruso to Jussi as for sound because he was singing into a horn and you lose the overtones. EC was a spinto tenor, different voice type and color anyhow from Bjorling and unless we heard them both in house the real comparison for sound does not exist but those who did hear EC in house like my late Grandfather who heard him 3 times in Chicago said he was the greatest tenor he ever heard. He heard them all from the early 1900's' until he stopped going to opera in his 90's.
SHICOFF1 7 months ago
His voice basically was a lyric tenor but he had fantastic low notes many lyrics didn't have and enough metal in the voice to successfully sing opera's like Trovatore and Don Carlo but many Lyrics have sung them also like Pav and Bergonzi, Hard to define it. His voice was not a large one but had enough volume for it but he did not sing Calaf, Forza, Chenier etc. He was not spinto like Corelli or Tucker but a lyric who sang some spinto roles. Lyric Spinto IMO. So many different opinions.
SHICOFF1 7 months ago
It is good to hear God sing.
vpo2g2 8 months ago
He was the best !!!
MrFrenchaccent 8 months ago
An excellent and beautiful actress!.One of the greatests Mimis...
OSMFANful 8 months ago
I love listening to him and watching her...she "knows" she is singing with the best of the Best...when he hits certain phrases and notes she just beams....
happywealthyme 9 months ago
A wonderful record of two brilliant singers. Thank you!
The99Gambo 9 months ago
There are many ways to sing this aria : Rodolfo as seductor, Rodolfo as brash..but only Björling sings it the way it should be...Rodolfo the poet, brought to ecstacy by sudden love and giving vent to his passion. This aria should give you goosebumps and Björling does so!
Partnerfrance 9 months ago 5
5:23 OH MY GOSH! he held that for over 6 sec O.o
kyhle111 9 months ago
Bjorling is nice and we all have our favorites. But no one compares to Caruso. Sorry.
tsmlink 10 months ago
@tsmlink Caruso and Bjorling are my favorites. A lot depends on the song or aria. Caruso's 1904 'Una furtiva lagrima' is the best performance I've ever heard by a tenor. I also prefer several 1904 Caruso gems. On the other hand, Caruso couldn't match Bjorling on 'Che gelida manina' or 'O holy night,' which is my favorite Bjorling performance.
Caruso apparently couldn't handle the highest notes as well as Bjorling, but no tenor ever recorded could resonate like Caruso did in the upper ranges.
wiseroldfart 8 months ago
Bjoerling was without equal in the history of singing. The tone, the technique, the purity! Unbelievable - thankfully he was well recorded. What a legend!
MrNikodemus2 10 months ago 3
Bjoerling is God, Domingo is just a Pope!!!
marranitocule 11 months ago
@marranitocule Bjorling può essere un Dio, Domingo è un sacrestano...saluti
federic017 10 months ago
This is one of the reasons why I have Bjorling tied with Caruso for first place on my list. Several other top tenors get an honorable mention and are worth listening to for many reasons, but Bjorling and Caruso are the only tenors capable of freezing me in my tracks.
wiseroldfart 11 months ago
MERAVIGLIOSI TUTTI E DUE !!!
GRAZIE !!!
31122051 1 year ago
Björling 100 years today! Feel the goose bumps despite he has been dead for more than 50 years.
A man for all times.... so generous!
trannel9988 1 year ago
He doesn't put as much emotion into it as Pavarotti, but in terms of ease and beauty, I like this better.
mlc2005 1 year ago
Can´t stop listening at this duo. They seem to have such respect for each other....
zlatantillifk 1 year ago 2
Ps. Tebaldi was rather good looking here. Or maybe the video is a bit dark, hehe. What a voice she had. She over-shadowed Jussi in the high spectra. Also much better actor than the swede. But she looks almost mesmerized at times when he sings....
zlatantillifk 1 year ago 3
@martianshoes--yes, "the eyes burn, and the throat tight", even for the angels, I think.
mamiesgame 1 year ago
PLACIDO DOESN'T COMPARE TO HIM. PAVAROTTI PERHAPS...
larvael32 1 year ago 2
@larvael32 Personally, I believe as far as lyric tenors go, Bjorling is without equal. He was the greatest of them all. Perhaps not musically, but certainly vocally and technique-wise.
GermanOperaSinger 1 year ago 18
@GermanOperaSinger U R RIGHT MY FRIEND, THE MOST EXQUISITE AND COLORFUL LYRIC TENOR VOICE EVER, UNDOUBTEDLY OUT OF THIS WORLD...
larvael32 1 year ago
@GermanOperaSinger actually bjrling classified himself as spinto.look at his repertoire?
hobo1975 8 months ago
@larvael32 placido is a joke
bluryd 7 months ago
@bluryd - Placido is NOT a joke, in any sense. He's one of the best, of modern-day tenors. Simply because his interpretations must stand, in comparison with Bjorling and certain others, does not MEAN that he's inferior. Bjorling and his generation, and the generation before, were .... well, exceptional. OK?
jhb134 6 months ago
@jhb134 point taken
bluryd 6 months ago
@jhb134 - Thanks! Jussi B is such a SINGULAR voice, even in the face of many tenors, of his age ... and beyond. All of us listeners .... and music, itself .... would've been much-POORER, if the Swede hadn't developed his talent and tone/timbre, and HEART, for so long a time. ... IMO.
jhb134 6 months ago
If you were to listen attentively to how Bjorling sings, he's one of the only few greats who hardly "scoops" his voice while transiting from one note to another. This is indeed true classical singing!
MrJackylimzw 4 months ago
2:57 = !
petereuropa 1 year ago
This may sound coarse and uncultured...but since I know very little about opera...this Puccini must have been a real passion monger, in his own life. Not a playa but a lady's man for real. As I understand it this piece is one of the most wooing in the genre' ...and the music alone is a torrid sensual thing. Like a lot of novices, a stray version of the Nessun Dorma got my attention, but I am finding this to be my most favored piece of music...posted it on my page, in fact...
martianshoes 1 year ago
I TOTALLY love Jussi Bjorling! He's a miracle!
Glowwriter 1 year ago
This is remarkable to me-- not only is every moment of the musical phrasing and intonation (and production of the voice) perfect, but his emphasis on each phrase or word is also perfect for what is happening in the scene. I can understand almost every word, because each sung word makes so much sense dramatically to me. Some of the genius here is of course Puccini. Still, Bjorlling never ceases to amaze me. Remarkable. And he was Swedish!
leoniemikele 1 year ago
Min älskade Renata.
VivaRenata 1 year ago
Beautiful performance !
mountainsmi 1 year ago
A simple comment, but he was actually Swedish not German, I first listened to him in the 1950s and for me he remains the most lyrical and beautiful tenor I have ever heard! John D
caitsmum 1 year ago
bjorling's vocal clarity is what sets him apart. many of the others seem "dark" in comparison. i would offer mario lanza and janis zabers as equals in this regard. please search, listen and comment.
jgraif 1 year ago
all this rediculous talk about harmonic structure etc is just that , rediculous. Bjorling was an artist the likes of whom come along once in many lifetimes. his voice was beautiful, his artistry impeccable , his muscianship beyond reproach, and he technique probably the best ever. He was probably the most perfect singer ever.
operalament 1 year ago 4
@operalament I must add to this,that I listen to a lot of singers.I think Bjorling have never been "Out of tune" that I have heard.You can hear the best singer sing to high or low in a live recordings. Perhaps he is "to perfect" and needs more drama in the voice.
karifrid 1 year ago
Hehe, you know who I listen to when I am mowing the lawn? Jussi Bjoerling, his laser pin-pointed voice, helps cut the grass :D
seektheforce 1 year ago
Ah, how I wish I were a Tenor just so I could sing this one aria...it's my favorite one, but alas, I am limited to the world of bass-baritone.....
tartanmusician 1 year ago
Tebaldi looks so sweet, being drained by beautiful notes. As a matter of fact, more than one soprano has told about the emotional impact Björling´s singing inflicted upon them, on stage or in the record studio.
RudySunseeker 1 year ago
I was ten when I first heard this and I still can't remember who sang it but I shall never tire of it.
Aled
ifuliki 1 year ago
He is adorable in this clip. He "gets" that Rodolfo is a young guy excited to meet a pretty girl in his building. The mugging is to die for. Singers have to be in their 30s and 40s to have the power for these roles, and most of them act their real-life age. Jussi is acting Rodolfo's age. I could just eat him up.
winobuff 1 year ago
Each voice has its own merits. Pavarotti lyrical, Bjoerling crisp always sharp, Domingo commanding. No need to get in a lather over it. They all are very good.
wmsbay 1 year ago 22
@wmsbay I agree. Comparisons are often odious. We all have preferences. The word 'best' has become a subjective characterization. You said it well.
Aled
ifuliki 1 year ago
@wmsbay You are absolutely right..no need to put comments like..
"nobody is like him or her.."...or " he/she is much better than.."..etc
It is a disrespect to other opinions ....and MOSTLY to other GREAT artists..:-)
..and YES...Jussi Björling is one of them !
lanarv 1 year ago
@wmsbay I am a total novice at the history and technique of opera, just grateful youtube is here to enrich my world. And I agree it is silly to hold up one artist against another. Not buying tires here...right? But I will say this - no one of any musical genre' has touched me the way Jussi Bjorling has. His voice, his passion, delivery and excecution....just bedazzle me. He makes the eyes burn and the throat tight. Period.
martianshoes 1 year ago 3
@martianshoes Amen Amen Amen.
MiddleDeeping 1 year ago
Che meraviglia.
hmbeyle 1 year ago
Che meraviglia!
hmbeyle 1 year ago
Mimi[Renata Tebaldi] not bad either.
samarian100 1 year ago
Avec Tebaldi çà ressemble plus à l'invasion d'une walkyrie chevauchant un Panzer qu'à la visite d'une grisette!Et Jussi toujours charmant!..
abracadabranque 1 year ago
The purest of all the great tenors ! Now if he had only been blessed with Corelli"s looks he'd have been considered a god amongst mortals.
snivelinjack 1 year ago
lovely singing! wow!!! one of the best I have ever heard!
ArtMah 1 year ago
Maravilloso Jussi, una de las mejores voces de todos los tiempos.
Nockturnmortem 1 year ago
Why is this transposed?
seektheforce 1 year ago
This is just perfect. Bjoerling's voice fits the role of Rodolfo so well, and his execution is incredible.
geordiezhang 1 year ago
<3 :)))) i Love this music, from Hungary
kittiii 1 year ago
un do splendido
totoplanet 1 year ago
PD is lucky to be born in this visual age. He has been on the track of success in spite of his mediocre singing technique mainly thanks to acting ability and handsome figure that no one would deny. Hence the statement that PD is one of the best tenors makes sense only when it comes to opera.
deskfruit 1 year ago
The voice of a god, the looks of a phrump. If he had had Corelli's looks, can you imagine ?!! Still, in my book, the greatest tenor ever.
snivelinjack 1 year ago 2
he had a perfect technic and I Just can compare him with carusso or gigli like said GermanOperaSinger
zagot27 1 year ago
I'm always taken by the light and darkness in his voice. He has so many colours in his voice - the high B really points that strength out, but the fact is that he could utilize this ability anywhere in his range which is amazing considering the tessitura of most other lyric tenors. Fantastic...
Jaaakob 1 year ago
With respect to 84years comment, he compared Peter Anders to Jussi, That's ridiculous. I heard him singing several La Boheme arias and he really struggles with some high notes. He's ok, That;s about it. Bjoering compares to Caruso and Gigli. I believe that they are the three greatest tenors of all time!
Erdrick345 1 year ago
@Erdrick345 I agree, they are really The Three Tenors.
RudySunseeker 1 year ago
hear the divine Victoria de los Angeles with Bjoerling and Beecham, she is Mimi, what a difference with Tebaldi
mark6230 1 year ago
Truly, truly, truly the greatest tenor of all!
clemfarm 2 years ago 5
agreed he is the greatest but check out peter anders german version.
84years 2 years ago
Breath taking. Stunning. Nothing more I can say.
halcassell 2 years ago 5
Perfect!
dalferr 2 years ago 4
It is transposed down a half step. If you know the orchestra score you can actually see the exact point at which it was transposed down. There were and still are singers that transpose down. It's not ideal, but certainly not the end of the world.
ettoreB1961 2 years ago
I'm singing this next month in G. I have no problem w/this. At 64, I'm lucky to be singing well. To those who have never sung: the tenor voice is not always there as we would like it. You can find a couple of Pavarotti( the most famous "Top" of his era) live performances where he did sing it lower & some where he should have. Sometimes it is just prudent. As many of you know Caruso sang it always down. Do you think that bothered anyone? Learn to appreciate vocal beauty, IF you can.
Lovelytenor1 2 years ago 2
Not bad, not bad!
VivaRenata 2 years ago
I have watched this video many times. Every time I watch this, I cannot help but think how beautiful Ms, Renata Tebaldi is. What a lady she is! She is my love. Here smile is simply adorable. Jussi Björling is blessed to sing so effortlessly.
discoversounds 2 years ago
Very good singer, but too cold for my heart.
castorp278 2 years ago
as i have said many times, the most perfect singer ever .
operalament 2 years ago
They transposed this down a half step...I was dissapointed..
robcaper 2 years ago
That could be YT - I've noticed it on other videos where the sound on the recording hasn't been but it is when you stream.
tombaker1222 2 years ago
Oh I see what you are saying...So YT is causing it to play slower so it sounds like it is in a lower key...They need to fix that....I hate hearing songs in a different key than the composer intended.
robcaper 2 years ago
Yeah. I'm not sure what causes it - the conversion from tape into digital or the uploading itself, but on some recordings of Led Zeppelin or other bands I try to play along to in a key I know works with the cd is sometimes half a step up or down when it's on YT. Very strange
tombaker1222 2 years ago
I am dissaponinted too, Gedda is such c good tenor, why did he?
tena2 2 years ago
@robcaper Who gives a (expletive deleted)? Learn something about older musical culture and save us your uneducated comments until you've matured a bit.
VivaRenata 2 years ago
What are you talking about VivaRenata? What did I say wrong? Maybe because the recording is very old, it makes it sound like the key is lower. I am a pianist myself. It doesn't sound like the original key. I love Jussi Bjorling and I know he was very capable of singing it in the original key.
robcaper 2 years ago
What a master! His 1937 performance is equally as brilliant, when he was just 26! Brilliant, yet different! I can't get enough Jussi! =D
aaronsande 2 years ago 3
Has there been artificial reverb added to this recording?
gferrick 2 years ago
Maybe they were experimenting with wall of sound effects in those days.
gigie555 2 years ago
wow amazing i have goosebumps his voice certianly gets to the heart, thank you for sharing it on youtube & to my mate phil who shared it with me :)
alhdoh 2 years ago 3
A stunning and beautiful performance - what a voice!!
stagggloves 2 years ago 4
Amazingly beautiful!
thehix 2 years ago
Splendidi entrambi ! Davvero un bel video.
31122051 2 years ago
Comment removed
31122051 2 years ago
if you compare between bjorling and other tenores, especially this particular aria, you are so stupid and you dont know music...if you have a ears, you just know that he is the best of this aria.
he, of course, overwhelmed this aria...
he owned it
chrissing7 2 years ago 2
I agree!!!
citrussorbet 2 years ago
Imposible encontrar una versión mejor. Una autentica lección de canto NATURAL.
Buen provecho.
musitar07 2 years ago 3
Wow, when I watch vieos like this, I just thank God for youtube and for the opportunity to watch musical history and wonder as this any time I want. Thank you so much for uploading this.
vrsing 2 years ago 5
Bjorling...What an Amazing voice this man had!!
sas9023055 2 years ago
No operalament, he wasn' t joking. He doesn't understand classical music. About the key change, the explanation must be that Tebaldi cannot go up so high. Her recordings are often transposed because of this, I have heard.
mozzrt 2 years ago
satchis 91, please tell me you are joking about mario lanza, please
operalament 2 years ago
I reckon that when she gasps like that when he touches her hand his mind is in the gutter.... he kinda shakes his head like, oh yeah, time to sing
baritoneZIGS 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Agreed. The only tenor on record who rivals him musically and technically is Domingo. I don't really get the key change for this performance, though. . . .
lamusicappassionata 2 years ago
No way, Domingo cannot be compared to Bjorling. Not in the same league.
GermanOperaSinger 2 years ago 29
@GermanOperaSinger, Totally agree with you... that is a blasfemy.
aguacun 1 year ago
@GermanOperaSinger Caruso is the only one who can better Bjorling. :)
EmilyGreene1984 1 year ago
@EmilyGreene1984 No! Nobody can better Bjorling! Not today, not tomorrow and not in the next 1000 years. He (Jussi Bjorling) was that unique.
maxhansendk 1 year ago
@GermanOperaSinger The only one with a sound so covered is Pavarotti. But I wouldn't compare styles.
RoOodOoOloOmeg 1 year ago
@GermanOperaSinger Is he perhaps too technical at times? Maybe should have focused more on emotion? And also didn´t have the thrust of some other major tenors? I no nothing about this kind of music though lol. Maybe is voice is only suited to a certain selection and type of opera. He should be more respected and remembered in my home country of Sweden. He is typical swedish I guess, in that he seems a bit cold in temperament at times!? He seemed to be very caring, respectfull and kind.
Mårten
zlatantillifk 1 year ago
@GermanOperaSinger I think they are in the same league but just have incomparable voices
peduzzi89 11 months ago
@lamusicappassionata hahahahaha, domingo??? REALLY>?! guess again
aroncooker 1 year ago
@lamusicappassionata lol you question this performance of the key change. Probably the only time it was ever changed. Name one performance where Domingo hasn't had it changed?
seektheforce 1 year ago
I can listen to him only in small doses, because his voice is so beautiful it brings tears to my eyes. Surely his is the most beautiful tenor voice that ever existed, at least in the era of recorded music....
BillBC 3 years ago 4
@BillBC I completely agree, the longing, the yearning in his voice is too painful. It's like staring at the sun - you have to turn away.
fullbuck50 10 months ago
Jussy is a league for himself....
brodsky96 3 years ago 4
i just recently heard jussi's nessun dorma, and some of his other work. now i would be so bold as to call him my third fave tenor after mario lanza and enrico caruso.
satchisgod91 3 years ago 2
Christ, can't stand these lamos comparing Jussi to this and that. They are not even in the same league as Jussi, so stop rating and comparing you fools; no one cares about your dumb ass thoughts. Sorry for the crude language but these mofos are so annoying i couldn't help it ;).
kittycrunch456 3 years ago 2
The fabulous and fantastic Jussi. Tears to my eyes everytime.
Tom1948 3 years ago 4
The great Björling lives forever!
hellstfr 3 years ago 5
shame really - he died 2/3 years later.
Artisticz 3 years ago