Country

:

Sweden

Birth

:

February 5, 1911 in Stora Tuna, Sweden

Death

:

September 9, 1960 in Stockholm, Sweden

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Jussi Björling was a Swedish tenor who is widely regarded as one of the greatest operatic singers of the 20th century. Born on February 2, 1911, in Stora Tuna, Sweden, Björling was the son of a famous tenor, David Björling, and grew up in a musical family. His brothers, Olle and Gösta, were also singers, and his father was his first singing teacher. Björling made his debut at the age of six, singing a solo in a church concert. He began his formal training at the Royal Opera School in Stockholm at the age of nine, and made his professional debut at the age of 19, singing the role of Don Ottavio in Mozart's "Don Giovanni" at the Royal Opera in Stockholm. Björling's career took off quickly, and he soon became known for his powerful and expressive voice, as well as his ability to convey emotion through his singing. He was particularly renowned for his performances of the operas of Verdi, Puccini, and Wagner, and was considered one of the greatest interpreters of the role of Rodolfo in Puccini's "La Bohème." Björling's international career began in 1936, when he made his debut at the Royal Opera House in London, singing the role of Rodolfo. He quickly became a favorite of audiences and critics alike, and went on to perform at many of the world's leading opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York, the Paris Opera, and La Scala in Milan. One of Björling's most famous performances was his 1955 recording of Puccini's "Turandot," in which he sang the role of Calaf. The recording, which also featured Renata Tebaldi and the Rome Opera Orchestra, is considered one of the greatest opera recordings of all time. Björling was also known for his collaborations with other great singers, including Renata Tebaldi, Victoria de los Angeles, and Robert Merrill. He and Merrill formed a particularly famous partnership, and the two singers performed together frequently at the Metropolitan Opera. Throughout his career, Björling received numerous awards and honors for his singing. He was awarded the Litteris et Artibus medal by the Swedish government in 1945, and was made a Knight of the Order of Vasa in 1951. He was also awarded the Royal Swedish Academy of Music's Litteris et Artibus medal in 1956, and was made a Commander of the Order of the Polar Star in 1959. Despite his success, Björling struggled with personal demons throughout his life. He was an alcoholic, and his drinking often affected his performances. He also suffered from health problems, including a heart condition that eventually led to his death. Björling died on September 9, 1960, at the age of 49. His death was a great loss to the world of opera, and he is remembered today as one of the greatest tenors of all time. His recordings continue to be popular with opera lovers around the world, and his legacy lives on through the many singers who have been inspired by his artistry.

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