Artists Of The Century - Jussi Bjorling, The Ultimate Collection

Surely Björling was one of the greatest tenors of his or any other time, not only for the clarion ring, the purity, and the melting lyricism of his voice, but for his effortless lightness, impeccable intonation, endless breath control, and natural phrasing and line, enhanced by old-fashioned but wonderfully expressive scoops and slides. On this generous two-disc set, he is heard in a huge selection of arias and some duets with distinguished colleagues; most of them were recorded separately, and a few are excerpted from complete opera recordings--unfortunately not very skillfully, stopping abruptly in mid-phrase if not mid-note. No matter; the miraculous thing is that Björling, whether singing an entire role or a single aria, can instantly create a character and bring him to vibrant life. He sings everything in the original keys--his high B-flats, B's, and C's are thrilling--and almost everything in the original language, including a few songs by Schubert, Strauss, and Grieg. Recorded live in recital, they are delightful--only one is too operatic. Among his partners, soprano Zinka Milanov and baritone Robert Merrill stand out. This recording presents an incomparable artist at his incomparable best. --Edith Eisler Amazon.com

The Ultimate Pleasure

"The fact that a coarseminded 'reviewer' found Bjorling lacking... is simply another proof of Jussi's quality."

And as for Pavarotti, he idolized Bjorling. "... two interviews with Pavarotti. It is clear that Jussi Björling was his idol. 'When I'm about to train a new opera, I first listen to how Jussi Björling did it. His voice was unique and it's his path that I want to follow. I would more than anything else wish that people compared me with Jussi Björling. It's like so I'm striving to sing.'"

"Anouther quote came from Luciano Pavarotti when he was compared to being in the same league as Bjorling. Pavarotti replied 'Please, I'm only human' a statement demonstrating that even the great modern tenor had enormous respect for Bjorling."

June 6, 2008

Jussi Bjorling

This recording has the best tracks I've heard, nothing compares to the Pearl Fish Duet. May 29, 2008

Jussi Björling - Phenomenal

Jussi Björling - The Ultimate Collection - 2 CDs, is a precious gift to anyone who loves the most beautiful voice of that talented swedish tenor, one of the greatest opera singers ever. Enjoy 2 hours 36 minutes of pure enchantment! September 29, 2007

Jussi Björling Duets

I first heard (and heard of) Jussi Björling 8 or 9 years ago. I heard the "Au fond du temple saint" duet, and was blown away. I immediately became a JB fan, and was eager to hear more. I found the Pearl Fishers duet CD at my local library, and was blown away again by the other duets on that CD, especially the duets from Don Carlo, La Forza del Destino, and Otello. Later, I found out about the "Ultimate Collection" album, where I could get all of the duets, plus many arias, so I went out and bought it. It was a great purchase. I've listened to it many times now, and never get tired of it.

These recordings were made in the 1950s, and some of them are not in stereo, but the sound quality is great. I am not expert enough to know if JB was really the greatest tenor of the 20th century, as several polls have indicated, but I would certainly rank him as the best.

If you want to hear some really great singing, buy this album.

September 19, 2007

Excellent older music

He is obviously one of the best of his time and puts to shame some of the newer singers. You get alot for your money on this CD too. I highly recommend it for a Sunday morning to enjoy your coffee, newspaper, and scones :} April 4, 2007

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