Music Commons^™

The Original Three Tenors, Dan Shea

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

The Original Three Tenors" - a fascinating British documentary about Caruso, Gigli and Bjorling which was shown at JBS-USA's June 1999 conference in Washington, DC and which was scheduled for Swedish TV on March 4, 2000- will not be shown in Britain at all nor in the US in the near term. According to Eric Wimbles, our JBAS colleague: "It is with

considerable dismay to have to report that according to an article written by the esteemed critic, John Steane, in the current issue of 'The Gramophone', the BBC is not interested in showing the film produced by John Owen …

Test Your Knowledge, Tom Hines

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

1. In the celebrated Don Carlo Metropolitan- performance which opened the season in 1950, Jussi sang the title role and his close friend, Robert Merrill, sang Rodrigo. However, it was also a singular evening for four newcomers, all of whom were making their debuts in this performance. Each of these artists went on to have outstanding careers. Can you name them? Hint: they sang the following roles: Philip II (bass), Elizabeth of Valois (soprano), Princess Eboli (mezzo-soprano), and the Angelic Voice (soprano). For super credit, can you name the bass who was scheduled originally to sing the role of Philip …

The Desert Isle Redux, William C. Clayton

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Though the members of JBS certainly have faultless taste in singers, some of them are obviously not very good sailors. Shortly after we published the ocean contretemps of a few of our company (the present editor included), we received word of three similar ship wrecks. Fortunately, these unlucky souls also managed to salvage their beloved JB tapes which contained their precious "top ten" favorites from Jussi's substantial recording career. Perhaps the beneficent hand of our dear honoree is stretched out over us, for all managed not only to survive the island ordeal but to return safely to their homes. Here, …

A British Voice, Joseph Hislop

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

On one of my visits to Stockholm for guest appearances in the early 1930s, Jussi Bjorling came to me and asked for advice regarding a number of problems of singing technique. He had already, at that time, presented his- beautiful voice at the Royal Opera and also in Copenhagen, and had shown both critics and the public alike that here was a rare star on the rise.

He Generously Filled His Horn Of Plenty With Beautiful Tone, Johannes Norrby

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

He was probably seventeen years old when I first met him. To me he seemed to be- if I may use the expression- a male Pallas Athena, she who sprang fully armed from her father's head. Jussi, too, materialized fully armed from his father's head. David Bjorling is said to have once said about his son: "There will never be another tenor like Caruso - perhaps Jussi."

Twenty-Five Years With Jussi, Helmer Enwall

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

For more than twenty-five years I had the pleasure of working with Jussi Bjorling and introducing him, not only to the musical centres of Europe, but also to the USA, Latin America and South Africa.

Jb Websites: An Introduction, William C. Clayton

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Now that the Society's web site has been updated, we thought that you might appreciate a survey of other Internet sites devoted to JB. Of course you can browse for yourselves, but if you are not yet connected to the Internet, you might like to know what is being done for Jussi. (Note: Most public libraries provide free access to the Internet.) In addition, since we have added our own site to cyberspace, some acknowledgment of our "brethren" seems suitable. What follows, however, is not a critical appraisal of the sites but rather an objective description. We leave you to …

Jb Analogies: Same Recordings - Different Voices, Kristian Krogholm

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

There is much discussion going on among Jussiologists about how he sounded in real life. But who's to tell? I think it is somehow easier to say how he did not sound, based on the telling of many people who had the good fortune to hear him live. Jussi's voice did NOT have that hard, metal-sound that would be easy to present to the listener with the use of certain digital remastering processes, and that would make him sound like the best of Corelli, Lauri-Volpi, del Monaco, di Stefano, Bergonzi and Pavarotti all put together. Jussi would out-sing any of …

Jussi In The News: Media Notes Of Interest To Our Members From Our Members., Dan Shea

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

+ Well, for the committed Jussi-phile (and that certainly includes all members of this Society, by definition}, the biggest media Jussi-fest of the year has to be the publication, in April, of Number 2, vol. 16 of The Opera Quarterly: over 30 pages of fascinating Remembrances of Jussi, by London Green, William Ashbrook, M. Owen Lee, and Robert Baxter; followed by Andrew Farkas' description of his search to track down the answer to one of the mysteries of Jussi's performance-history, in the 14-page article ''Bjorling and Ballo, 'The Most Unkindest Cut of All'". You'll want to follow all the twists …

In The Spotlight: Don Pruitt Jussi's Concert At Constitution Hall, Washington, Dc, March 3, 1957

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

During the mid-1940's, when I was a teenager growing up in Roanoke, Virginia, I somehow or other chanced upon opera. During the afternoon radio broadcast period usually devoted to such enthralling boys' adventure serials as "Jack Armstrong," "Captain Midnight," and "The Green Hornet," a local station transmitted a condensed Aida over several days; this captured my imagination and interest. Then I found the Saturday afternoon Metropolitan Opera broadcasts, and would listen to them whenever I had the chance. I very dearly remember from this period a complete Aida, a Walkuere, and especially Peter Grimes, this last because, I think, of …

The Voice That Stopped A War, Jack Allott

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

It was in the early 1940's - I am sure of that - perhaps 1943 or '44, certainly no later. Our 'wireless', (that's a radio to the under fifty-year olds,) was a little Marconi which sat on a shelf near the back door. From its chrome-edged circular speaker came many sounds of that age. I was an avid listener to the dance orchestras of the day. Occasionally there would be the sound of Nelson Eddy singing manfully of 'Stout Hearted Men' - he was my favourite. Sometimes I'd hear Allan Jones singing the 'Donkey Serenade'. I quite liked him too. …

Kung Heimer Och Aslog - A Jussi Bjorling Mystery Song, Ellen L. Lienhard

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

It was almost a mystical experience: I heard this song by August S5dennan (1832-1876) on an old 45 rpm record imported from Sweden some 40 years ago (ERAS 102), just shortly after Jussi's death. My knowledge of Swedish was nil, but the power of this song from the first sounding of the harp through the melancholy atmosphere of the narrative captured my imagination and made me long to know the meaning of this text. Who was King Heimer? Who was Aslog? Why did the singer sound so mournful at first and then seem to gather strength and resolution as the …

Erik Saeden Visits The Jussi Bjorling Museum, Lars Hemmingsson

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

The Jussi Bjorling Museum and the Scandinavian Jussi Bjorling Society have been trying for many years to secure the services of Erik Saeden as a guest speaker. Finally Harald Henrysson, curator of the museum, succeeded in tempting him to visit Borlange. Initially the intention was that Erik would come alone, but he suggested that he could bring along one of his students and this idea was agreed to immediately. So it came about that on Saturday the 20th February (1999] two singing guests honoured Borlange with their presence, a Borlange cloaked in its beautiful wintry whiteness.

The Golden Voices: Caruso To Callas, Yoel L. Arbeitman

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

KUAT closed the last century for us by producing a thirteen part series entitled The Golden Voices: Caruso to Callas. KUAT is the Radio Station of the University of Arizona, Tucson. The series was made possible by a grant from the Mary and Igor Gorin Family Trust Fund and was produced, written, and hosted by Bill Pitts. The enticing series was widely syndicated early this century. The thirteen programs were sequentially: "Enrico Caruso (World's Greatest Tenor)", "Luisa Tetrazzini (It Ain't Over till the Fat Lady Sings)", "Feodor Chaliapin (A Giant of a Man)", "Amelita Galli-Curci (Making Opera History)", "Beniamino Gigli …

An Update: Jbs' Excursion To Sweden In June 2000

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Fifteen Jussi Bjorling fans will go to Sweden in June, under the auspices of our JBS-USA. We will all spend some time in Stockholm, and especially we will all visit the Bjorling Museum in Borlange to show our support of that essential institution. And a highlight of the trip will be a joint meeting of our group with the Scandinavian J.B. Sallskapet (Society) on June 18u. at the summer home of Kickie and Lennart Ekman on the island Toro in the Stockholm archipelago.

Our Mini-Conference In Nyc: Postponed!, Bill Clayton, Mickey Dove, Bill Dove, Tom Hines, Dan Shea

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

In our 4Q99 issue of this Journal, we proposed a one-day mini-conference on August 20, 2000. There seemed to be considerable interest in this idea from some of our members and from some our advisors as well: So we began preparations and announced in our 1Q00 issue that the meeting was ON ("Save this date!"). As our preparations continued, however, we found more good reasons to postpone than to go ahead with our original date. Here are some of the key ideas involved:

From The Editor's Desk, Mickey Dove

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Congratulations to Advisor Andrew Farkas upon his receiving the Outstanding Faculty Scholarship Award - 2000 from the University of North Florida. In 1991 Andrew received the Distinguished Professor Award from the University, and he has been the recipient of many other honors as well: Jussian of the Year (Swedish Jussi Bjorling Society) 1997; Enrico Caruso and Lawrence Tibbett were made into talking books for the blind; Enrico Caruso and Opera and Concert Singers received the "Choice Awards" in their 1985 and 1990 list of books. JBS is fortunate indeed to have advisors like Andrew who are willing to give their …

Side Bar

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

No abstract provided.

Front Matter

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

No abstract provided.

Moving Beyond World Music: An Exploration Of Non-Western Music Cataloging Practices In Higher Education And Where To Go From Here, Alastair L. Canavan

New Librarianship Symposia Series: Fall 2021

The term “world music” has been used for decades as a catchall genre to describe any form of music outside of Western classical. As a byproduct of the eurocentrism pervasive throughout academia, its use furthers a bubble that others or ignores Non-Western cultures and their music. By examining the public-facing catalogs of 13 university libraries across 10 different countries to determine to what extent Non-Western music is included in their collections, how it is cataloged, and if the term “world music” is used to do so, the specific cataloging practices and norms that perpetuate a bias toward Western classical music …

Activity Of Classes Of Doira And Percussion Instruments At The State Conservatory Of Uzbekistan, Ilhom Ikromov

Eurasian music science journal

The class of doira and percussion instruments has been operating at the State Conservatory of Uzbekistan for many years. In this case, students are required not only to learn to play doira, but also to master the technique of playing percussion instruments. Today, Uzbek composers consider it necessary to include these instruments in the score of symphonic orchestras. The article describes the activities of the class of doira and percussion instruments at The State conservatory of Uzbekistan, modern requirements and tasks for young musicians and students alumni.

Treble Clef Club Collection. 1922-2015, Special Collections, Leonard H. Axe Library

Finding Aids

A collection of the club’s meeting minutes, secretary and treasurer’s notes, programs, yearbooks, scrapbooks and music sheets.

The Treble Clef Club was chartered in Pittsburg, Kansas in 1904 by women interested in the study of music. The club originally agreed to have no more than 20 members who would meet twice a month to study composers and perform their works. In 1908 the club expanded membership due to increased interest. The first junior club, for high school girls, was started in 1922 but did not succeed. The club tried again in 1944, creating a club with 28 girls. By 1964, …

Ruff, Walter Glen, Collection, 1883-1962, Special Collections, Leonard H. Axe Library

Finding Aids

A collection of sheet music, guides, books, and other materials related to W. Glen Ruff and his music shop.

Walter Glen Ruff (1904-1989) was born in Kansas and graduated from Fort Hays State Teachers College. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Kansas in 1940. Following this, he taught instrumental and vocal music on both the high school and college level. Ruff served with the American Red Cross in India and Ceylon during World War II. Afterwards, he was head of the music department at Western Carolina Teachers College. In 1950, he moved back to Kansas at opened …

Beyond Translated Vs. Indigenous: Turkish Protestant Christian Hymnody As Global And Local Identity, Jeremy Perigo

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

At Turkey’s first national worship conferences in 2011, a passionate debate arose on whether Western music or indigenous Turkish music was most appropriate for worship. Some Turks felt that the Western missionaries were imposing indigenous musics on Turks as a type of “reverse colonization”. They felt that the current Western musical styles were best for worship. One Turk stated, “the saz is being forced down our throats”. Other Turks felt liberated to sing and play songs in traditional Turkish musical styles. The debate at the conference highlights the desire of missionaries and Turks to see renewal in congregational hymnody. Nevertheless, …

Jussi Bjorling

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Newspaper Clippings

Here And There

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

There has been much discussion recently on Bjorling e-list regarding the Urania Trovatore. Albert Innaurato- opera lover and sometime writer for the NY Times, BBC Magazine, Gramophone, Opera News, Vogue, Vanity Fair, etc.- recently purchased the CD set on Yoel Arbeirrnan's recommendation; his comments follow

That Old Desert Isle, William C. Clayton

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Jussi continues to succor our esteemed members. Fortunately these episodes do not imitate the outcome of The Perfect Storm, but perhaps our members should consider some sailing lessons. While it is heartwarming to know that over and over JB has sustained our little band when in dire sailing straits, surely these maritime contretemps are becoming a habit. Still, we are grateful that our friends have survived to share with us their lists of indispensable JB items.

Jussi Bjorling From The Chorus's Perspective, Sture Ingebretzen

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

There ,,vas a feeling in the air that something sensational was happening from the very first day Jussi Bjorling came to the Royal Opera. People who throughout their lives had had the advantage of being able to listen to good singing became aware at once that this plump young man with the fine eyes and attractive hair-line had a voice of incomparable radiance. I am not old enough to remember the years before Jussi's debut at the Opera when a singer such as Battistini would give guest performances, when John Forsell was at the height of his singing career, when …

The Head Of The Queue, Kurt Bergengren

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

A May night in Stockholm can be wintry. The moon turns pale and glacial. Daybreak arrives with an icy thrust of wind. Those who sit in Gustav Adolf Square feel how a shiver arises from the water and flows into the city, chilling the nearby streets. Only the prospect of something warming and beautiful could induce one to pace those streets. Jussi Bjorling's guest performances in the 1940s and '50s were shining events in the Stockholm tundra.

Bjorling Rarities: A New Cd, William C. Clayton

Journal of the Jussi Björling Societies of the USA & UK

Here it is! Bjorling Rarities, brand new as of July, 2000, issued by VAI, # VAIA 1189. Contained are five selections never before issued in any form, and many others which ,Were hitherto available only on pirated LPs or hopelessly scattered. Before I comment on the selections and the booklet, following are the pieces. Note that they are all live broadcasts, but more about that later.