Experience the timeless artistry of Jussi Björling in this captivating collection of Puccini's masterpieces. This album, released by West Hill Radio Archives, features live performances from 1948 and 1956, showcasing Björling's legendary tenor voice in two of Puccini's most beloved operas: "La Bohème" and "Manon Lescaut."
Spanning nearly three hours, this comprehensive recording offers a deep dive into Björling's virtuosity, accompanied by insightful commentary from the renowned Milton Cross. The album begins with "La Bohème," where Björling brings to life the romantic and poignant tale of Rodolfo and Mimi. His rendition of "Che gelida manina" is a standout, capturing the essence of Puccini's lyrical genius.
The second half of the album delves into "Manon Lescaut," another Puccini classic. Björling's performance is nothing short of breathtaking, particularly in the aria "Donna non vidi mai," where his voice soars with unparalleled beauty and intensity. The album also includes a variety of supporting roles and ensemble pieces, providing a rich tapestry of Puccini's operatic brilliance.
This album is a treasure trove for opera enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike. The performances are complemented by historical context and anecdotes from Milton Cross, making it an educational and entertaining experience. Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "Jussi Björling in Two Puccini Operas" is a must-listen.
Tracks
La boheme: Act I: Questo Mar Rosso (Marcello, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Pensier profondo! (Colline, Marcello, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Legna! … Sigari! (Rodolfo, Marcello, Colline, Schaunard)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Si puo? … Che e la? (Benoit, Marcello, Schaunard, Colline, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Io resto per terminar (Rodolfo, Marcelo, Colline, Schaunard)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Non sono in vena (Mimi, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Oh! sventata, sventata! (Mimi, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Che gelida manina (Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Si. Mi chiamano Mimi (Mimi, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: Ehi! Rodolfo! (Schaunard, Colline, Marcello, Rodolfo, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act I: O soave fanciulla (Rodolfo, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act II: Aranci, datteri! (Street Sellers, Students)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act II: Chi guardi? (Rodolfo, Colline, Mimi, Schaunard, Marcello, Chorus, Parpignol)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act II: Viva Parpignol! (Chorus, Marcello, Mimi, Schaunard, Colline, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act II: Domandatelo a me (Marcello, Musetta, Alcindoro, Colline, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act II: Quando men vo (Musetta, Marcello, Alcindoro, Mimi, Rodolfo, Schaunard, Colline)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act II: Chi l'ha richiesto? (Colline, Schaunard, Rodolfo, Chorus, Marcello, Musetta, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
Brief intro by Milton Crossna Not Applicable, Milton Cross
La boheme: Act III: Ohe, la, le guardie Aprite! (Chorus)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act III: Sa dirmi, scusi, qual' e l'osteria (Mimi, Sergeant)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act III: Mimi! … Speravo di trovarvi qui (Marcello, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act III: Marcello. Finalmente! (Rodolfo, Marcello, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act III: Mimi e una civetta (Rodolfo, Marcello)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act III: Mimi e tanto malata! (Rodolfo, Marcello, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act III: Addio … D'onde lieta usci al tuo grido (Mimi, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act III: Dunque e proprio finita! (Rodolfo, Mimi, Marcello, Musetta)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
Brief intro by Milton Crossna Not Applicable, Milton Cross
La boheme: Act IV: In un coupe? (Marcello, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act IV: O Mimi, tu piu non torni (Rodolfo, Marcello)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act IV: Gavotta (Colline, Marcello, Rodolfo, Schaunard)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act IV: C'e Mimi (Marcello, Musetta, Rodolfo, Mimi)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act IV: Vecchia zimarra (Colline, Schaunard)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act IV: Sono andati? Fingevo di dormire (Mimi, Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
La boheme: Act IV: Dorme? … Riposa (Rodolfo)Giacomo Puccini, Bidu Sayão, Jussi Björling, Mimi Benzell, Francesco Valentino, George Cehanovsky, Nicola Moscona, Salvatore Baccaloni, Anthony Marlowe, Lawrence Davidson, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Giuseppe Antonicelli
Radio commentary by Milton Crossna Not Applicable, Milton Cross
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Ave, sera gentile (Edmondo, Chorus, Des Grieux)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: L'amo? … L'amor?! (Edmondo)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Tra voi, belle, brune e bionde (Des Grieux, Chorus)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Ma bravo! (Edmondo, Chorus)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Discendono, vediam! (Chorus, Edmondo, Lescaut, Des Grieux, Geronte)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Cortese damigella, il priego mio acettate (Des Grieux, Manon, Lescaut)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Donna non vidi mai (Des Grieux)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: La tua ventura (Chorus, Edmondo, Geronte, Lescaut)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: La tua Propsperina (Edmondo, Des Grieux)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Vedete? lo'son 'fedele (Manon, Des Grieux)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act I: Di sedur la sorellina (Geronte, Edmondo)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Radio commentary by Milton Crossna Not Applicable, Milton Cross
Manon Lescaut: Act II: Dispettosetto questo riccio! (Manon, Lescaut)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act II: In quelle trine morbide (Manon)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
Manon Lescaut: Act II: Poiche … tu vuoi saper (Lescaut, Manon)Giacomo Puccini, Licia Albanese, Jussi Björling, Frank Guarrera, Fernando Corena, Thomas Hayward, George Cehanovsky, Rosalind Elias, Alessio De Paolis, Calvin Marsh, James McCracken, Osie Hawkins, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Dimitri Mitropoulos
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