Happy birthday, Jussi Bjoerling
Posted by: EJS on 02 February 2011
Jussi Bjoerling would have celebrated his 100th birthday today. One of the greatest tenors of the 20th century, his best years coincided with the emergence of hi-fidelity recording in the 1950s. He died tragically young at the age of 49, before he could sing the role he was destined for: Lohengrin. He did sing the big aria 'In fernem Land', in Swedish, during his last performance one month before his death from heart attack.
Mr. Bjoerling, RIP
Kind regards,
EJ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD6vMH-bpC0
Posted on: 02 February 2011 by graham55
EJ, he was indeed great (just listen to his contribution to Beecham's 'Tosca', amongst many others), but he drank himself to an early death.
Posted on: 02 February 2011 by mudwolf
Ah yes, he did not have control of alcohol but his voice was incredible. I have 2 recordings with him and all my opera friends say the best things about his performances. We're lucky to have recordings. Celebrate 100
Posted on: 05 February 2011 by EJS
Hi Graham,
I've heard of Bjoerling's Tosca with Price and Warren under Leinsdorf (it's on my wanted list), but haven't been able to find the Beecham Tosca that you refer to... do you have some details for me, or were you referring to his famous La Bohème?
Thanks,
EJ
Posted on: 05 February 2011 by graham55
EJ, my apologies, you're absolutely right!
Posted on: 05 February 2011 by EJS
Bummer, sounded too good to be true! I have to correct myself as well, the 1957 Leinsdorf Tosca is with Zinka Milanov and not Leontyne Price.
EJ
Posted on: 05 February 2011 by graham55
I find myself ever more prone to these 'CRAFT moments' as I get older!
Posted on: 05 February 2011 by u5227470736789524
http://www.arkivmusic.comDon't know if this site has been mentioned previously, but what a gold mine. Sizable collection of operas on dvd, search-capable by composer, label, artist, ensemble, etc and a great source of "covers" for classical selections when posting on the "listening" thread.
I suspect Doug, Haim, Graham and EJ may already know of this place, but for novices like myself it is like walking into a wonderland.
regards
Jeff A
Posted on: 05 February 2011 by Florestan
ArkivMusic: Yes, currently they are the holder of my 7th mortgage
Posted on: 05 February 2011 by u5227470736789524
Hi Doug
I assumed you would know of them already.
I was just over there reading about your Schnittke disc.
To maintain some continuity with the thread subject, search results in 150 hits for Mr. Bjorling !
regards
Jeff A
