Music Commons^™

Roberta Peters, 86, Sparkling Soprano Whose Fairytale Met Debut Led To A Five-Decade Career, Has Died, Ira Siff

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Roberta Peter’s overnight ascent to Met stardom at twenty combined with her uncommonly attractive face and form to suggest a sort of fairy-tale figure. But Peters’s early years were spent absorbed in arduous study, devoid of many of the diversions taken for granted by the average teenager. Although in later life the soprano spoke about tears shed under the pressure of trying to live up to the expectations of those who believed in her, she maintained that young people should be urged to fulfill their potential. It was, in fact, this seriousness of purpose and artistic integrity that carried Peters …

Jussi Björling’S Penultimate New York Recital, Ed Walter

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

I was at the March 7th Hunter College recital, as I was at every Björling New York recital from October 31, 1953 to his last. Th e highlight of that first recital was his singing of Lamento di Federico. His rendition of that aria stands out as one of the best I have ever heard from him or anyone else. Th e high note soared to the stratosphere. Th e live performance was even better than his recorded versions of that aria.

Ben Heppner In Utah, Walter B. Rudolph

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Not to become either a travelogue or a serialized column, but there is more to report about my 2016 experiences with our JBS Advisory Board Member, Ben Heppner. When last we talked . . . (July Newsletter 2016) I had met him in New York City. What I didn’t report was that he had indicated he was coming to Salt Lake City in July to visit his daughter and his new grandchild by that date. And, that he would call me.

In Jussi’S ”Sound Tracks”, Rodger Alderstrand

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

My first contact with Jussi Björling was as an 8-year-old, when my family visited my maternal grandmother on Sweden’s West coast. She had an EP recording of “O holy night,” and when it was playing, nobody was permitted to talk: “Quiet, Jussi is singing!” It wasn’t unusual for my grandmother to listen to him. I clearly couldn’t understand his singing’s quality to the fullest, but my grandmother’s admiration made a mark on me.

David Björling Becomes A Singer: Usa, Sweden And Vienna 1899-1908, Harald Henrysson

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

In all of its generations the singing Björling family has had close connections with the U.S. It was here it began —when David Björling got the education without which he might not have become a singer and thus Jussi, if he had been born, would have had quite a different future. Very little has been known about David’s first period in America, but this article, based on my presentation at the JBS-USA Salt Lake City conference, is an attempt to fill in that gap, as far as sources permit, and add something about his further education.

A Jussi Björling Phonograpy By Harald Henrysson: A Critical Tool, Terry Williams, Sue Flaster

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

The number of questions which pop up on the Yahoo site and elsewhere on a regular basis indicate that a short reminder of what this book is and how it works is overdue. The latest paper edition of the book (3rd) does not have all of the indices, but they are available through the site of the Scandinavian JB Society, http://www.jussibjorlingsallskapet. com/

Andrew Farkas, James A. Drake Ph.D.

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

In any list of debts owed to the founders and members of the prestigious international Jussi Björling Society, the name Andrew Farkas would surely be high upon that list. As almost all members are aware, he is a founding member and advisor of the Jussi Björling Society-USA, Inc., and is a contributing editor of its Journal. Having had the privilege of knowing him as a personal friend and university colleague (both of us are happily retired from the State of Florida higher-education system), and having benefitted (undeservedly on my part) from his wide-ranging expertise as a writer, editor, and …

The President’S Pen, Terry Williams

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

When Wally Rudolph suggested including a “Top Ten” survey in the November Newsletter I thought it an interesting idea but did not give it much thought - then. In fact, it was not until Wally reminded me of it by reporting toward the end of December that he had received a member’s entry that I began to give it more thought. Pick my five favorite songs and arias, in order, and my three favorite operas, in order. Piece of cake, right? I mean, how much time could that take? Well, let me tell you, a lot. But it was great …

Front Matter

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

No abstract provided.

In Tribute: Eric Wimbles 1931-2017, Richard Copeman

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Eric passed away in August 2017 to join his beloved wife Shirley who pre-deceased him in 2014. Eric was an early member of the UK JB Appreciation Society, having been a lifelong Jussi fan since attending his London Albert Hall concerts between 1952-8.

The Gedda Technique, Carl Lawrenz

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

When Nicolai Gedda died on January 1st 2017, the world of Opera and Classical Music lost one of the most accomplished, and certainly most versatile tenors of the 20th Century. His linguistic, vocal, and musical skills gave him the ability to master a remarkable number of musical styles. Included in Gedda’s stage, concert, and recorded repertoire are Oratorios by Bach and Handel, Operas by Gluck, Weber, Adam, Bizet, Massenet, Gounod, Berlioz, Meyerbeer, Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, Verdi, Puccini, Mozart, Flotow, Wagner, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky and Barber; Operettas by Strauss and Lehar; German, French, Russian, Swedish, and English Art Songs, and Russian Folk …

Nelson Eddy, Universal Baritone, James Drake

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

“This may sound egotistical on my part,” said long-time Philadelphia music critic Max de Schauensee in a 1977 interview I conducted with him, “but often I have found myself lecturing friends and colleagues that the Nelson Eddy they know from movie screens as a matinee idol, is a genuine opera singer. I know so because I saw him in Aida, Bohème, Pagliacci, both as Silvio and Tonio, and Tannhäuser.” As the astute De Schauensee was quick to point out, Nelson Eddy had a repertoire of 28 operas during his tenure with the Philadelphia Civic Opera Company, …

The Jussi Björling Recording Survey— “Aria” Results, Walter B. Rudolph

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

The biggest surprise revealed in the tally of votes for favorite arias by you the members of the Jussi Björling Society-USA is that there were no votes for what is arguably one of the most famous of all tenor arias, “Vesti la giubba” from Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo.

Messages From Enrique Gilardoni And Javier Camarena, Enrique Gilardoni, Javier Camarena

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Dear friends, On September 22nd. I shared with you the reply of Karla Sarmiento, executive assistant to Javier Camarena, acknowledging with thanks the receipt of a message I sent them after the earthquake.

Jussi In Gramophone Hall Of Fame, Joseph Calleja

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

“The Swede Björling made his operatic debut in 1930 and within a decade was performing regularly at the Met where he often sang during the 1940s and ‘50s. He sang often with Toscanini and was selected by Beecham to record La bohème. One of the loveliest of tenor voices, he recorded extensively, mainly for RCA and EMI.

Jonas And Jussi In French Opera, Stephen Hastings, Milan Correspondent

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

When Jonas Kaufmann took part in the Stockholm concert celebrating the centennial of Björling’s birth in 2011, the solo scenes he performed—“L’addio alla madre” from Cavalleria rusticana, “In fernem Land” from Lohengrin and “Vesti la giubba” from Pagliacci— were all associated with Jussi and the German tenor’s singing, though very different in timbre and technique from the Swede’s, offered a similar combination of emotional truthfulness, superior musicality and ease in modulation.

Jussi In Carnegie Hall, Kjell Olsson

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Carnegie Hall, the legendary concert hall in New York City, celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2016. Jussi Björling appeared there sixteen times during the years 1937-1959. Ten of these performances are recorded at least in part, and released on CD. It was at Carnegie Hall that Jussi made his US debut as a tenor November 28, 1937, an appearance which opened the way for a contract at the Metropolitan and access to the US public.

Jean Sibelius Memorial Concert – 60 Years Ago, Janel E. Lundgren, President And Editor

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

“Similä Leads Sibelius Memorial Concert—Bjoerling Is Soloist at Carnegie Hall”. Such was the heading of the New York Times review of the stellar concert held at 5:30 p.m., Sunday aft ernoon, December 8, 1957, on what would have been Sibelius’ 92nd birthday.

Nicolai Gedda—The Versatile Tenor, Nils-Göran Olve

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

When Jussi Björling died in September 1960, recording dates for Swedish television a few weeks later were taken over by Nicolai Gedda. It was a sense of succession—Swedes still had a Metropolitan Opera tenor to be proud of, and one who would be a frequent guest at the Stockholm opera as well. For the next 30 years and beyond, I heard him there almost annually, and in concerts longer than that. His final Stockholm concert was well into this century, when he was 76 or 77.

A Wonderful Time In Washington D.C.!: Jbs-Usa 20th Anniversary Mini-Conference, November 17-18, 2017, Janel E. Lundgren, President And Editor

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

This celebratory, international conference opened with an optional event on Friday evening, November 17th, with members attending a dress rehearsal of Bellini’s opera La straniera, performed by the Washington Concert Opera in Lissner Auditorium. The company’s rehearsal/performance was impressive, and a welcome opportunity to hear this infrequently performed opera from the bel canto repertoire.

From The President, Janel E. Lundgren, President And Editor

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

The 20th anniversary year of JBS-USA began with our recent celebratory conference in Washington D.C. Thanks to the planning and organizational skills of board member Sue Flaster, and the generous financial support of the membership, we enjoyed the musical excellence of Washington Concert Opera, a full day of distinguished speakers, a beautiful venue in the Swedish Embassy, and the warm fellowship of our fellow members in a reception hosted by Maija Bodow.

Front Matter

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

No abstract provided.

Jussi Björling Statue Sings “O Holy Night”, Göran Forsling

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Central Borlänge, Sweden, was swarming with people ... the afternoon of Advent Sunday. It was the premiere Christmas window display, but towards half past three many gathered at Jussi Björling Square to witness for the first time Jussi Björling as street singer. The statue was discretely coloured in red through spotlight illumination ...

Jussi Björling With Ivor Newton At The Piano

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Royal Albert Hall

Jussi Björling (by arrangement with Harold Holt Ltd.) with Ivor Newton at the Piano.

Programme and Words of Songs.

Happy Encounters With The Björlings, Ray Harsant

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

In 2001, my wife Elizabeth and I attended the JBS-USA Conference in Minnesota. For the benefit of the Jussi Björling Appreciation Society in the UK, Anders Björling put up for sale a lovely picture of Jussi and Ann-Charlotte Björling at the piano together, along with the actual tie that Jussi is wearing in the photo. These items are now framed and are a key part of our sitting room. They serve to remind me of several very special Jussi-memories.

Remembering Torbjörn Lindqvist, Harald Henrysson

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Filmmaker Torbjörn Lindqvist died on November 2nd at 75. For JBS members in Sweden and the US, he is surely best known for his film issued during the Björling centenary, Jussi i Våra Hjärtan, which was also his last. The film was distributed in the US by Kultur as He Sang with a Tear in His Voice, and was well-reviewed by Opera News, among others, which said it was “well written and directed,” and “an endearing portrait of one of the very great singers.”

Record Time: Walter Price Traces The Background Of Rca’S Legendary 1956 Recording Of La Bohème, Walter Price

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

In the spring of 1956, Andrew Schulhof, Thomas Beecham’s manager, had an idea for which record aficionados must continually give thanks. The British conductor was scheduled to be in New York while his then favorite soprano, Victoria De Los Angeles, and Jussi Bjoerling were available. Why not put a cast together and record La Bohème for RCA Victor? Those were the days when sales domination of the international music market gave America unprecedented power.

A Voice Lesson With Jussi, Arthur H. Patrick Darrow

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

In 1950 I was standing on the corner of 11th and Walnut in Kansas City, Missouri, waiting for a streetcar and whistling “Questa o quella” from Rigoletto. I was approached by a man asking for directions to the Plaza Theatre. He spoke to me in a Swedish accent. Curious, I asked if he were Jussi Björling, the tenor, and he was! I wondered if my whistling was why he asked me for directions, but I didn’t ask. I was astonished that he was there in person, so I don’t really recall all of the conversational exchanges we made. I …

Björling On Pristine Audio And Immortal Performances, Kristian Krogholm

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

There are a few record companies left that continue to restore and release old archive recordings in high quality sound. Richard Caniell`s Immortal Performances in Canada is one. I strongly recommend Roméo et Juliette (IPCD 1003-2) and Verdi Requiem (IPCD 1073-2)and a NEW release is due in April/May 2019 (IPCD 1110-2 Manon Lescaut 1959 + bonus concert recordings).

New Björling Cd Available Soon!, Henry Fogel

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

This spring, Immortal Performances will be issuing an exciting new 2-CD set “Jussi Björling: A Treasury of Little Known Broadcasts”. This beautifully re-mastered offering will feature the complete November 1959 Stockholm performance of Manon Lescaut, excerpts from concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and London Palladium, among others, and a Stockholm December benefit concert, (including “O Helga Natt” and a Christmas greeting to the audience from Jussi.) This highly anticipated CD is already receiving rave reviews, such as the following: