Jussi Bjorling & Robert Merrill - Sì, pel ciel marmore

[petereuropa]

These two guys were meant to sing together from God. The duets with them are a treasure for operalovers fo ever. And Victoria des Los Angeles, you are in this little stunning group too.

[sillyboydeux]

This is gorgeous singing, but it's hard for such a loving soul as Bjørling was to produce the "bile" and inner conflict of an Otello, while Merrill is able to produce the snide malevolence in his tone and is more convincing. I think it's a wonderful recording to have but he will go down in my mind as the greatest Rodolfo who ever lived, and the greatest Manrico, and the greatest Cavaradossi, and the greatest Duke. I could go on.

[viverito]

Simply amazing how in this recording Bjorling uses every bit of his amazing technique and is able to color his voice and create a credible sounding Otello.

[VincentTitone]

@viverito Bravo for your insight!

[VivaRenata]

This recording is absolutely amazing and I wish there were more information on when it was recorded and what the circumstances were.

As much as I think that Jussi delivers an amazing interpretation here, one might remember that this is a short excerpt from a very long opera, that was not part of his repertoire.

[VincentTitone]

@VivaRenata It was recorded on January 3, 1951. This duet from was the only part of that opera which Jussi Björling ever sang. He had occasionally performed the duet in concert in the early thirties and already mentioned in his 1945 autobiography that Otello tempted him, but that he wanted to wait “until my voice has developed in a natural way for such an undertaking”. Robert Merrill has described how they prepared especially for this duet:

[LordMgls]

I prefer the Caruso-Ruffo's rendition. Their voices were more united.

[citrussorbet]

although i think bjorling was the greatest i agree the caruso-ruffo was by far the best i have heard of this duet

[LordMgls]

Are you saying that you prefer Björling to Caruso?

Explain me your opinion, if you do. I've read much about that but sill don't understand that opinion...

[citrussorbet]

Thanks for your letter.Everyone has there own opinion about everything in life.Thats fine,it would be very boring if we all like the same thing.About your letter,yes i think Bjorling and Callas were in a league of there own. Callas the finest singing actress of the century and Bjorling had an uncannny voice,some of his recordings of the 30's when he was in his 20's are unbelievable!!!

[primobaritono77]

According to Merrill's bio, Jussi agonized over recording this duet wanting to emulate the Caruso/Ruffo version. Jussi walked around the building of the recording studio after each take telling Merrill "one more time, one more time." I think posterity agrees they were magnificent together!

[elijah32503]

No Doubt. jussi is the best of the best...

and one of the greatest tenor...

[jlnucla1]

Absolutely the greatest ever. They blend so beautifully together