The Board Members’ Jussi Favourites
Bengt Krantz, Chairman of The Society, presents his favourite recording with Jussi.
"Tra voi belle, brune e bionde" from Manon Lescaut by Giacomo Puccini.
Recorded 1-6 September 1957 in Florence, Maggio Musicale. Conductor Alberto Erede.
des Grieux’s first entrance in Manon Lescaut. One of Jussi’s favourite roles that fitted him like a glove.
At 46 he demonstrates his knowledge and experience in abundance. Still youthful colouring and intimacy. He has sorted out his Italian and phrases wonderfully.
Like most of Jussi’s recordings the present one is also, besides a pleasurable experience in itself, a demonstration of the art of singing and interpretation.
Here, in the hardly 2-minute-long arietta, Jussi shows confidence and expectation in galore, and bubbling charm, which later in the opera is turned into sorrow, black as midnight.
Everything is here. Poetry and the lightness but also virile strength.
A recording on the highest level set down by Decca’s expert technicians, conveying also to modern listeners an effortless sense of crystal-clear sound and delightful atmosphere. Now transferred by Naxos who have further restored the sound. It is available in their 2011 issue Jussi Björling Collection.
Erede and Björling are also in total accord.
A self-evident favourite among many favourites in various categories of Jussi’s recorded legacy.
Bengt Krantz
Chairman of The Jussi Björling Society
Click the picture and listen to "Tra voi belle, brune e bionde" from Naxos Jussi Björling Collection.
