100 Greatest Singers: JUSSI BJOERLING

THIS PROJECT IS RESERVED ONLY FOR THE GREATEST! Think so? Please comment!

Jussi Bjoerling, Tenor (1911-1960)

Giuseppe Verdi - Messa di Requiem
Ingemisco (Recorded 1960)

My personal opinion: Many Operalovers call him simply "The Greatest Tenor ever lived", and indeed he was the best lyrico Spinto we know. His singing was controlled and noble, his vocal Resources didn´t seem to know any limits. And his Timbre was probably the most beautiful a Tenor ever had.
Bjoerling was my first choice when I began with this project. I don´t want to make big words for him, because incomparable artist´s don´t need big words and explanations.
This recording was Jussi´s farewell in the studios, his last recording was a live concert from Gothenburg in august 1960, only few days before his untimly death.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jussi
• Bjoerling
• Giuseppe
• Verdi
• Requiem
• Ingemisco

[CarmenMirandasHat]

I personally believe he was the greatest tenor ever, and possibly the beautiful male voice to have ever existed, in my opinion.

His solo piano-recital recordings are my favorite. Such a rich and balanced voice, he really epitomized the idea of virtuoso belcanto singing. Bravo!

[100Singers]

I would like to say, those artists are great entertainers!

[stickitupyapipe]

Even Pavarotti regarded him as the greatest of all time. Praise indeed.

[epothen]

Jussi has an amazing voice! He has great tone and sings the high notes with great ease. I agree with Mike that he is one of the best tenors that lived.

[TheCTConservative]

The words "dark" and "bright", etc. are often misused when describing the voice of Björling and others. Björling's voice adapted to the music. Just compare the sound of "Ingemisco" with that of the Swedish song "Trollsjön" (Troll's Lake) in the 1957 recording. Björling changed his coloring as the composer and music required. The sounds he makes in "Trollsjön": are superhuman. His singing always reflected a great musicality and refinement.

[TheScottypom]

One of my absolute favourite singers of all time :)

[31operafan]

Bjorling had a darker voice than any tenor I've heard. In the documentary "3 Legendary Tenors" (which also included biographies of Gigli and Caruso), Nigel Douglas said that it reflected the cold of Northern Europe (Bjorling is, of course, from Sweden), while Caruso's and Gigli's voices reflected Mediterranean sunshine. I agree on that 100%. Bjorling's voice certainly has a melancholy quality, but it's excellent nontheless. :)

[jarto10]

very warm and controlled voice,but will never be as moving as corelli

[AmhranaiAlainn]

Although this rendition was not as polished as that of the younger Bjorling, there is far more depth of true emotion and spirit displayed here. It is so heart felt you cannot help being moved to tears, especially when you realize the man was in fact dying. It also serves as an example for singers and teachers alike, that singing is not a physical business at all, but more a mental one. Verdi would have been moved too.

[PEAinSwe]

I don't compare singers. I only know that every time when I hear Jussi I'm brought to another place - a place of sheer beauty.

Interesting choice of recording. In 1960 he made some of his best recordings. Even though his voice was a bit darker and not that generous in the highest register he adds a feeling that is unique. Just listen to his late recordings of Nordic songs.

[tomfroekjaer]

In my opinion one of the greatest - maybe the greatest - lyrical tenor ever. But the is this Neapolitan tenor - the legend - Enrico Caruso that keeps coming up when I listen to great singers, like Björling.

Caruso was - the younger Caruso - quite lyrical, later spinto, dramatic - even baritone or bass.