The Greatest Tenor: Jussi Björling "O Holy Night" REACTION & ANALYSIS by Vocal Coach / Opera Singer
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- Опубліковано 23 гру 2021
- One of the most well known Christmas carols sung by one of the most highest recognized tenor in opera: Jussi Björling is an absolute stunner in this rendition of "O Holy Night". I decided upon the original recording for the best possible sound, and it's utter perfection!
Join professional opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff, as she listens to Jussi Björling for the first time, performing "O Holy Night”.
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Performed by Jussi Björling - Words and Music by Placide Cappeau, Adolphe Adam, John Sullivan Dwight
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I definitely recommend watching the original video without interruptions. Here's the link: • Jussi Bjorling; O Holy...
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Elizabeth Zharoff is an international opera singer and voice coach, with 3 degrees in voice, opera, and music production. She's performed in 18 languages throughout major venues in Europe, America, and Asia. Currently based somewhere between Los Angeles and Tucson, Arizona, Elizabeth spends her days researching voice, singing, teaching, writing music, and recording TONS. She also plays Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons.
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Yes broder mean brother its a very emotional song in my maternal language. I would like you yo listen to the old Swedish song "Herr Mannerlig" both made in Swedish by Garmarna and by Rantiel soprano in Italian, its about the christian and pagan transition in Sweden 1200c.
Please listen to this version of Oh Holy Night by David Phelps. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the emotion of the song.
ua-cam.com/video/ElJ0fiD0lkc/v-deo.html
@@kimmoengman5876 I found it. I liked it. Not sure it applies here, but you love it obviously. My roots are Swedish, so I have been told. It is beautiful. Have a great New Year Kimmo.
Hi...@The Charismatic Voice...please reacts to Malaysia Queen of Music SITI NURHALIZA - NILAI CINTAMU
ua-cam.com/video/KVvkl9S3Fg0/v-deo.html
Oops may have forgotten to send the reference...Jackie Wilson Body and Soul!
My Grandfather told me that they used to go down to the beach and listen to jussi who lived on the other side of the bay. On summer nights jussi had a little bit to drink and often sang out in the night. My grandfather told me it was magical. I can only imagine
Wow that is beautiful. Your grandparents are lucky
Wow, what a priviledge that must have been, im not jealous at all lol
OMG I can't even imagine. When I was a kid, my dad would play old records of Jussi. I grew up around opera, and literally thought that was the level at which you needed to sing.So I got into singing later, and he was my idol. Hearing him in person would be mind-blowing
Sadly, his drinking undoubtedly contributed to his death at a relatively young age.
That must have been ethereal. Jussi was my intro to opera many decades ago.... I haven't heard anyone better.
One thing that can be difficult for non-Swedish speaking people to understand is how extremely good his pronunciation is. Every single word is so well defined from the next, but still the transitions are soft.
Me being a Finn can hear it somewhat, although my Swedish is quite rusty.
@@vibingwithvinyl Actually it sounds a bit like Swedish finns speaking Swedish they pronounce words like that. But he was partly finnish too. ( Or maybe it is just old pronunciation. )
I was just to write this. Björling manged to get 100% of the lyrics through as clear as if being just read. Every single word gets through to the listener, this goes for all his Swedish repertoire by the way.
@@hnorrstrom maybe a little outdated pronunciation, but even more the small adjustments to normal pronunciation that well trained singers used to do to get the lyrics through better when sung. Some vowels are changed sligthly and e.g. r is sometimes pronounced much more more defined then when spoken.
I was about to make the same comment: He articulates extremely well making it very easy (as a swede) to make out the words. What a treat it must have been to be there and listen to the performance live!!
As a norwegian, this is the ultimate christmas carol. There's no way to celebrate christmas without this song. Incredible voice.
Yep jussi bjorling is IMO the best tenor ever 🇸🇪👍🇮🇪.
nice to hear
greetings from german neighboorhood
As a Dane I'm right there with you. I have it on all my Christmas Playlists.
I do agree, and I am also Norwegian.
helt sant. ingen jul uten jussi
Another thing to add. He did this live. Not in a recording studio, no retakes, just completely nails it. Incredible
This recording wasn't done live in front of an audience, I think the applause at the beginning has been added in. But he was known for usually nailing in one take, so it might as well have been live.
@@12Trapporfooled me 😂
Best tenor of all time.
This is gods own royal singer now. No one can come close to him. Period.
-«So Mr. Pavarotti, you think you’re as good as Björling?»
-“not at all, after all, I’m only mortal”
That's mighty
To my recollection it was "I'm only human" but that's splitting hairs 😊
I'm the farthest from religious but when Jussi sings "folk fall nu neder" I'm inclined to fall to my knees in awe 😊
sannerligen!!
PRECIS SÅ!
His voice is a gift from heaven. Imagine what it will be like when heaven is torn open and the Lord appears. We will all fall on our knees.
You don't need to be religious to enjoy it, it was written by an atheist...
Yes, it's very commanding. Excellent.
As a Swede I am happy that Jussi's greatness is not forgotten.
Det er han ikke. Godt høyere enn Pavarotti, Domingo og Bocelli. Han er i himmelen sammen med Maria Callas. :)
@@Brakballe Jag hoppas det. Och Jahn Teigen...
Jussi bjorling will always be remembered, his voice is so powerful and sweet, o Helga matt is owned by jussi bjorling! He's so good it's unreal.🐐👍🇸🇪.
@@isaiahjohnston823O Helga Natt... 😇
Han kommer aldrig glömmas, vi har inte haft någon större någonsin.
A funny piece of history is when Pavarotti in an interview was asked how he would compare himself to Jussi, and he plainly responded "Please, I'm only human.".
Pavarotti never did it for me but when I listened to Jussi for the first time I realized I was listening to the GOAT.
@@yana1955 I like Rolando Villazon because of the emotion he brings. It's funny I saw, at one point, a video of him on a Mexican variety show when he was 15 or so singing traditional songs and he wasn't very good. Obviously that was before he got into opera. I can't find that clip anymore.
Luciano was always self effacing. Bjorling nevertheless a flawless singer with unique tone
I think he made that remark when asked about Jussi's slow version of Nessun Dorma.
That phrase reportedly came after a comparison with Caruso.
There's something about the Swedish version that just hits on a whole other level.
Den er glimrandre
I come from the same city as Jussi Björling, Borlänge, and on the square named after him stands his statue, and every day at noon they play one of his songs on speakers for everyone to listen to! :)
That is a great way to celebrate this great son of westernkind!
Wow - that is wonderful!
😢power, smoothness and quality, unlimited
Kul å träffa en mas här på youtube. Jag e nerifrån Hedemora jag😄
Här är man en bit utanför Luleå, men måste med andra ord åka till Borlänge vid tillfälle
I'm sitting here in the middle of the night in northern Sweden, it's a massive snow storm outside and I'm listening to Jussis voice giving me chills up my spine.
Samma för mig nere i Göteborg!❤
...och här faller snön ner i vinden. Sörmland..🎶
Ingen jul utan Jussi ☺️
This particular version has a special place in Finland, despite the Swedish language. There has been a tradition on Finnish radio to play this at the end of a Christmas song concert every year. The host of said program was said to always stand up to listen to this.
For me, Christmas does not begin without hearing this song.
Can confirm. From a fellow Finn.
I think they didn't play it last year and it felt weird 😢
Was about to comment this. My mother (age 65) said she remembers this from her childhood. Christmas begins from this song at christmas night. ❤
@@bubbleburst1338yes, it was so odd. Why did they do that 😟
@@tiia-liisakansakangas9569maybe because his grandmother was Finnish-born and she is the one who started to call him as a toddler by the Finnish name Jussi which mean “gift from God”. His actual name is Johan Jonatan Björling.
@@davidtouma4878😊
Jussi Björling. Mannen med rösten. Jag får gåshud utav att lyssna på honom. Och jag är verkligen inget fan av opera egentligen. Men Jussi spelas då håller man käften och lyssnar. Tyvärr dog han för tidigt. Njut av Jussi Björlings röst för evigt. En sådan röst kommer aldrig att komma igen
I'm from Sweden.
I cry every time I hear Jussi sing this!
Me too, I am Norwegian. The best tenor ever.
U are certainly not alone!
Jag med.... it gets very emotional
me too, jag också, gråter varje gång
As a Swede, hearing this makes me weep. It reminds me of being young. Of celebrating Christmas with my Grandma and Grandpa (now deceased) and hearing classic renditions of songs like these while they were preparing the feast. It reminds me of a world that is now lost for one reason or another. An era that silently died while we were distracted by social media, entertainment and mass consumption. It's a very mournful kind of nostalgia.
Don't worry it's still here with us, just have to look a little harder due to the noise I guess, but it's there. Merry Christmas 🌲
God jul!!
God Jul fra Norge. I know exactly what you mean when you describe the nostalgia. We also used to listen to Jussi.
We finns love him too so much! My grandfather used to sing this also at xmas
And I'm Norwegian- we still and always listen to this particular song at Christmas eve, at 17.00 h when the bells ring to mark the beginning of Cristmas 😊 My grandparents did, my parentes did, I do- and my children also. Its a Christmas- must ❤ 🎄
“When I'm learning a new opera roll, I first listen to how Jussi Björling sang it. His voice was unique. I wish more than anything that people compare me with Jussi.” -Luciano Pavarotti
I’m the same age as his daughter and we were confirmed in the Engelbrekt Church in Stockholm. During the service Jussi sang several times and it was magical.
The church holds approximately 2000 people and it was packed. Outside were another at least the the same amount and the huge doors were wide open. He was a great man and the Swedes loved him tremendously. Ann Charlotte lost her father at the same time as I lost my own father so that made us close. Sadly since I left for Australia we lost contact.
Dette er min absolutt favoritt-julesang som alltid gir meg en tåre i øyekroken.
I'm not Swedish but in my view this is the most perfect performance of anything, ever.
As a Norwegian it hurts to admit the Swedes with their Jussi, has the best Christmas song ever! I bow. And you thrill me over and over with your reactions. Thanks!
🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪
He also was very proud of his Finnish heritage and would even perform in charity concerts in Finland during the war.
It's OK, you have the most beautiful nature on the planet instead. We can share :)
@@EricTheSwede +oil
I agree of course. No one touches Jussi. But at the same time you Norwegians have the fantastic Sissel Kyrkjebø. Which to me is the best Scandinavian vocalist in modern times (although Körberg will want to have something to say about it). But Sissel...the combination of beauty and a voice from God...very hard to match.
Didn’t expect to find myself ugly-crying at Christmas songs in the middle of August, but here we are.
I'll preface this by saying my wife is one of Jussi’s grandchildren. I have been subscribed to your channel for a little while now (my gateway into it was your reaction to Disturbed, Sound of Silence) and I said to my wife just a couple weeks ago, wouldn’t it be great if she did one on Jussi? So it was great to see this pop up. And of course Oh Holy Night is a big deal in the family. We celebrate Christmas Eve every year with my wife’s father, one of Jussi’s kids, and the rest of the family - as we did just last week. So my wife went to visit him again today with this link in hand (so to speak), and they watched it together. He absolutely loved it. Thank you so much for doing this!
Fan vad coolt! Vill också vara släkt med Jussi! Hälsa henne att jag är avundsjuk! Jussi är en nationalklenod av sällan skådad rang.
edit: Realized maybe you aren't swedish. Just wanted to chime in and say i'm deeply jealous. Being related to Jussi is f'ing awesome, as he's a true legend here in Sweden.
@@pettson3816 Hey Johnny, thanks for the translation, we are in the US, so it helped a lot! As an "in-law" to the family, I've loved being able to hang out with my wife's dad over the years and hear all the old stories, stay in some of the old family places in Sweden, hang out with the rest of the Bjorling's there. BTW, if you live in Stockholm, that is honestly one for the most beautiful cities in the world. Anyway, thanks for the note, I'll pass it on to my wife's dad, it means a lot!
Hälsa din fru från mig! Att vara släkt med Jussi Björling är inte "helt oävet" som min mormor från Luleå skulle ha sagt.
Thank you for sharing! Absolutely adore Jussi's voice 🙏❤
@@pettson3816 haha vill också vara släkt med Jussi 🙌
I'm from Sweden but have lived in the UK for almost 20 years now. At Christmas when I've heard O Holy Night sung at Carol concerts, I always found them insipid, although it used to be my favourite carol back home. I've just realised that I have always had Jussi's version at the back of my head and in comparison nothing comes remotely near the great voice of Björling!
Yes, its much more timid in the UK!
Det är något visst med hur de är översatt, orden känns så mycket mer... Mäktiga? På svenska. Både hans röst, samt orden, allt ger den en extra tyngd. Älskar det.
The trouble is that too many pop singers have got hold of it, and they just maul it around.
As a Finn, a fellow Nordic, Jussi Björling was a household name also in my childhood and youth. But my favorite pieces of classical music were (and still are) mostly instrumental music, so I probably did not understand and appreciate how great he actually was.
Wow! Jussi Björling! The warmth and emotion that he brings to every song is unmatched. I am Finnish, and while I recognize that he was Swedish, he had a Finnish grandma who called him with Finnish name Jussi, and it became his name instead of Johan. Cannot wait to hear the commentary!
He had a remarkable combination of brightness and warmth of tone Even Pavarotti called him a role model.
Jussi... yes
I'm also Finnish but had never heard of him :) Thanks!
@@jenslindstrom3257 Yessi... Juss
I can share Johan / Jussi with my finish brothers and sisters.
Once Pavarotti got the question if he was better than Jussi Björling. And his answer was ”please i’m only human”. Jussi Björling is just the GOAT.
In an interview with Ann-Marie Kjellander in 1998, retold in _Svenska Dagbladet_ in 2007 in the article "Hemma hos Pavarotti", Kjellander reported that Pavarotti said: "When I am to rehearse a new opera, I first listen to how Jussi Björling did it. His voice was unique, and it is his path I want to walk. More than anything, I would like people to compare me to Jussi Björling. That's how I aspire to sing."
My friends and I get together each year on the 23rd of December, and on the stroke of midnight we listen to Jussi sing "O helga natt". Full volume for all the neighbours to hear. Even as a norwegian I have to praise Sweden for this amazing singer. This song is christmas perfection. God jul! 🎅
What a beautiful tradition, keep it up! Happy Holidays! ❤️🎄
❤️
I remember my grandmother, getting tears in her eyes when she listened to Björlings O helga natt at christmas time. Me too :) Greetings from Norway
It's funny. I know of at least two translations of Adolphe Adam's Cantique de Noël (O Holy Night) - or rather of Placide Cappeau's poem Minuit, chrétiens: as Kom julenatt by Arve Sigvaldsens and as Julesang by someone else. But still, I find that the most common version in Norway is the Swedish one. I've had to actively seek out the Norwegian versions to find them, while I hear the Swedish version quite often here in Norway. I think Jussi Björling has a big part in why the Swedish version is so popular here.
Personally, I have a tradition of listening to Björling's O helga natt every Christmas either very late on Christmas Eve or in the wee hours of Christmas Day. It's simply not Christmas without it.
So did always my mother and so do my family now. When Jussi starts singing it feels like Christmas starts for real!
As a Swede, thank you!
As a Dane, I understand every word he sings, just amazing 🇩🇰🇩🇰
When Pavarotti calls him his mentor, Jussi is deliciously smooth
OMG! Jussi is from my hometown in Sweden! This was a very pleasent surprise!
''No mom I'm not crying I just got something in my eyes"
Jussi is the one singer that just stops me in my tracks. I can't do anything but stand still, listen and cry. I can appreciate other tenors and I totally get all the hype around Pavarotti, but Jussi's voice hits my soul.
Yes, there is an ease in his voice with warmth, elegannce and it is amazingly satisfying. I think his centre of pitch is lower than many tenors as well and to me, more resonant and less jarring.
Indeed. You've heard Pavarotti's response to someone's comment/question on Bjorling (context unknown to me:) "Please - I'm only human."
Pavarotti once said "Not even in my greatest moments I am close to Jussi Björling". /Greetings from Sweden! ❤️
One take, in front of a live audience. It really doesn't get better than that.
To be honest, the applauds are not in the original recording.
The way many of us Jussi fans like so much is, that there is always a teardrop in his voice. And as far as I know, this is unique in opera singing. I don’t know, but many say, that his mother died when he was very young. And when he was about 8-12 years (l don’t know exactly) his father died. And together with his father and his two brothers, this group went all around Sweden to sing in churches and they also visited the United States and performed in the so called ”Scandinavian States” there like Minnesota. But this tip may sound ridiculous, but why not use this in in opera education: on tour his father gave neck, throat massage every evening to his three children, to improve their voices. Perhaps this is a good thing for singers. And finally, if this recording was not an concert recording, it doesn’t matter, it is a gift from Jussi to all of us. Happy 2022!
@@pederlettstroem980 just look it up in Wikipedia or the Jussi museum in Borlänge, Sweden.
Elizabeth, you are the best сoach😍
Aww, thank you for the kind words. Happy Holidays as well! ❤️🎄
I'm from Borlänge (the same city as Jussi), and I started to love opera thanks to him. He was a great opera singer! Even Pavarotti wanted to sing like Jussi! He makes me proud to be Swedish!💖👍🏼
I don't care for opera at all. But hearing his voice..... makes me cry. It goes straight into my heart, and stays there 💕
You know it’s good when you can’t even understand the language but still get the goosebumps.
Lyrics are the least important aspect of music
I know nothing about music, can’t play, can’t read scales, no nothing. To me, Jussi’s singing is nothing short of a miracle.
I am hearing him for the first time on the tinny loud speaker of my phone and good lord 😳 time to go find an original recording
Fun fact: His grandma was Finnish and that's why he has a Finnish first name. He was very proud of his Finnish heritage and would even perform in charity concerts in Finland during the war. He was good friends with Jean Sibelius.
Edit: Jussi is a nickname given by his grandma, which kind of makes it cooler in my opinion, because he preferred to use the Finnish nickname.
Jussi is his nick name, not his given name. It is Johan.
@@AndersJackson Yeah my bad his Finnish grandma gave him the nickname.
@@kasperilindroos2370 no problem.
Jussi Grandmother was from Björneborg, Finland. And Jussi father was born in Helsingland, Sweden. But raised in Björneborg.
Jussi himself was born and raised in Borlänge, Sweden.
How can one not cry hearing this...
Luciano Pavarotti, in a 1988 interview for the Swedish daily newspaper Svenska Dagbladet, stated: "When I'm about to train a new opera, I first listen to how Jussi Björling did it. His voice was unique and it's his path that I want to follow. I would more than anything else wish that people compared me with Jussi Björling. That's how I'm striving to sing.
Anouther quote came from Luciano Pavarotti when he was compared to being in the same league as Bjorling. Pavarotti replied "Please, I'm only human" a statement demonstrating that even the great modern tenor had enormous respect for Bjorling.
@@malawigw I didn't know that, very interesting.
I guess after watching this it comes as no surprise that generations of Swedes gather together in front of the radio at midnight (23rd -> 24th) to listen to this very recording. It's beyond emotional if you grew up with it. Jussi gave us magic.
Also in Finland. It’s magical. Christmas begins from Jussi’s O helga natt.
He was the best!
I almost cry every time I hear this ..I am Finnish, but I think this is the BEST version of this song
Christmas is not Christmas without " Helga Natt"
Other Finnish with you!
Hyvää uutta vuotta, Juha!
@@hermanjohnell2717 Samoin sinulle Herman!!
It’s like hearing a church bell ring. You stop and listen. It becomes a motion of noise and emotions. What a pleasure to hear.
a church bell or some brass banging togehter when going to the laundry room to polish them up before christmas :)
To quote Pavarotti: "“When I'm learning a new opera roll, I first listen to how Jussi Björling sang it. His voice was unique. I wish more than anything that people compare me with Jussi.”
Every Year, as the clock strikes midnight on the 23rd of December, and Christmas Eve begins, the Swedish public radio broadcasts this song all over Sweden.
I know this because my mother would always turn on the radio just before midnight, and together in a house filled with Christmas lights, we sat in silence and enjoyed this song. It was her tradition from childhood.
Sometimes together with the first slice of the julskinka (Christmas Ham) prepared during the evening
This is my father's favourite song, and I'm from the the small Swedish town of Borlänge, where Jussi came from. Once he and his brothers held an impromptu concert in the garden of my mother's house. This is something I learned just two months ago. Lots of love from Sweden ❤
You should listen to his recording of the poem "Till Havs" (To Sea), it's a really powerful version, and here in Sweden everyone knows that song thanks to it being used in many movies.
That is a song I will carry with me forever from listening to the "audiobook" of Pettson och Findus: Pannkakstårtan on casette before bed as a young boy.
My grandfather was burried at sea to that song (till havs) so beautiful burial!!
Absolutely this!
@@jonathans3971 that was my first introduction to that song ❤️
antar att jag är en falsk svensk då lol
As a Norwegian and fellow Scandinavian I love how you can hear the characteristic little guttural sound he makes when singing things like "ljuset" (the light) and in the middle of some of his other "U" and "I" sounds.
Wich is one of the two typical sounds that you would have to be born and raised in Sweden be able to make. Although the Danes are well known for doing a similar thing at the end of words.
The technique, if you will, would make it much more difficult to sing those notes, I imagine. As the sound is formed by half closing of the note or word far back in the throat. And it definitely breaks with classical music training.
But it is so so beautiful and so so typical and characteristic Swedish, and I really appreciate him putting more of his amazing personality and personal touch in this amazing performance.
yeah that guttural way of pronouncing the letter "U" is typical for people from the province of Skåne in Sweden's far south, who are speaking "skånska" (a local dialect which in itself has many variations). however, he was born in the city of Borlänge in the province of Dalarna in central Sweden. but in his youth, he worked for a while in Ystad, a city in Skåne, and that should explain his pronounciation of the letter "U"
Yes the dialect of the South of Sweden.
As a Swede my eyes are tearing up here. Probably the most popular christmas song in Sweden and the one i want to hear every year. This is the blue print for how it is supposed tu be sung. No pressure on those who takes it on. 😅
You don't need to be Swedish :)
Even in Denmark many families are listning to this every Christmas Eve 😊
As a Swede. What gets me is the sooo clean prononciation of each word. It´s crystal clear, and it's unbelievable!!
Best operasinger ever!
That tearfulness of Jussi’s voice is (not surprisingly) very well placed within the beautiful Swedish lyrics. For any non-Swede watching this, the lyrics go ”Because the Saviour has crushed our heavy shackles; our earth is free, the Heaven is now open” and the weeping, pleading, crying phrase, translates to ”In your slave, you see a beloved brother; and, see, your enemy becomes dear to you”. And while it’s sung in present tense, it’s sort of implied that it’s a begging of ”because the Saviour has unshackled us, now the Earth is free and we may all love each other and be equal, so please do this, it is all we are asked to do”. Or, at least I always heard it that way.
(Enemy isn’t quite right, the Swedish word ”ovän” would translate directly to ”un-friend”, which is probably more accurate).
While a lot of Christmas-y songs are lovely in several languages, I find O Helga Natt more poignant in Swedish, and I recommend anyone who is curious to google themselves a translation.
Yup, as a fellow Swede I´m proud of Jussis delivery here and overall talent! Till Havs is my favorite, listen to that!!! I sang that at a short distance car ferry in Sweden, just as a joke (I was bored) but it turned out people loved it:)))
Bra där : )
Thank you for this beautiful post. This song is sung in the NOW...and so beautifully sung too.
Yes! I may be the traditional Swedish atheist but love to sing this and the Swedish lyrics ALWAYS makes me break down and cry. I need to sing it in private once or twice before performing in front of an audience - it's such a brutally beautiful song in Swedish.
It still remains as the greatest mystery ever- that the Son of God left his eternal home to enter his creation as the lowliest of man just to die as a criminal in the most painful way and just for us. Jesus on the cross is who God is. Worship Him!
Jussi was always very modest as a person.
For fans of Pavarotti (maestro), Jussi was his Idol and he stated that before recording or performing that he would study how Jussi had performed it. Pearl fishers is one to look at. It is one of the most beautiful male duets performed.
Of the 1200+ tenors I have heard, Bjorling reigns supreme!
Nice to see someone geek out over Jussi Björling - lovely voice. Really.
I listen to this every Xmas maybe 100 times! I never saw jussi in performance but this is the most beautiful piece of ART I have ever heard.
Thank you for you enthusiasm and explanations. This song with Jussi Björling was my fathers favorite and I am so grateful that he showed me music that is transcendent.❤
To my ear, he had a wonderful effortless power that sounded easy for him, and never forced. His voice never sounded overdriven.
Thanks, Elizabeth, so much for bringing this superb recording to our attention! As an 87-year-old, raised in England (but living in Canada since 1957), I had the great fortune to attend 3 concerts, given in London by the mighty Swede, all of them utterly memorable experiences. By the way, I just loved how you got so feelingly into the recording, particularly when Bjorling hit certain notes, not necessarily high ones. Your involvement in his singing was simply infectious! Thanks a ton for your inspiring presentation! One last note: You tube has two other Bjorling recordings of this song, besides this 1959 one, the others being from 1945 and 1946 - all excellent. But in my opinion, the 1959 one tops the others, aided by Nils Grevilius' orchestral leadership. What makes this version particularly poignant is that at the time, the singer was already a sick man, ailing from the heart disease that would kill him just a year later!
I just wanted to Say Hi!
Amazing to hear that you got to hear Jussi
Bless
Jussi Bjorling was the greatest singer in history. Ringing brilliant sunshine - Awesome - .❤
Awesome, phenomenal, scintillating. His voice is liquid Gold. Jussi bjorling is IMO the Greatest tenor ever 🇸🇪.
The greatest Tenor of all: then, now, and forever.💕
Probably the greatest male operatic voice I have ever heard in my life. I’m really glad you’re doing this tomorrow.
Yay! Me too. Great to see you, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday!!
You too. Merry Christmas! And have a very healthy pregnancy!
There are probably one hundred of great male operatic voices in the history, Bjorling is great not the greatest. I can mention many tenors, baritones, basses who had wonderful voices, in particolar in the first half of last century.
In my opinion, he’s the greatest known one that I’ve ever heard., Thank you for your insight though.
Check out Georges Thill, Caruso (and Richard Verreau) versions too :)
Jussi's voice sings like gliding on ice. He left this world too soon.
I’m sat on a bench at my house in the UK listening to this and my arms and legs are covered with Goosebumps - Simply phenomenal
Jussi Bjorling, the greatest tenor who ever lived!
That´s right Sir!
I love that you liked this because this song is something I grew up with living in Sweden as a child. Still now at the age of 50 living in my native Finland I listen to this performance at least 3-4 times every single christmas. And every single times I get tears in my eyes. That is what great music does.
As a Swede myself I get so proud of to see other people appreciate a traditional artist like Jussi Björlings talent & style of singing in generation to generation from around the world...R.I.P Jussi Björling
How about a young Black boy who immediately fell in love with his singing (Che Gelida from La Boheme) and knew he would never hear anyone greater...and he hasn't. Bjorling Yes indeed! Now let me reveal a well kept secret about America's greatest male singer. Why is it a secret and why is he America's greatest male singer? It's a secret due to the fact he was a guy with an 8th grade education and an alcoholic (not unlike Bjorling) striving to be the greatest entertainer, which at his peak he was. Spinning, flipping, dropping to his knees, singing on his back and flooring the crowds. Greatest because his mob owned record company made him sing everything which he could and would! Putting him up against Elvis (his buddy) Mario Lanza and every pop, blues jazz and R&B singer around. But when he entered the studio to record the following, the seasoned musicians from symphonies, opera, and studios couldn't believe he could sing the scores as written. And, even asked before hand should they be transposed down. I've wondered for the longest why he didn't just stand on stage and sing his heart out. Ladies and gentlemen I present America's unrecognized, overlooked, unappreciated greatest male singer.Listen to him at his finest and see if you don't agree. He made me find Bjorling, appreciate lyricism, depth, power, and the beauty of the male voice and tenors. Listen to the whole album. I think you'll like it. Happy Holidays!
@@jisiri paul robeson is americas greatest singer
@@tinyderppotato5410 Who the HELL are you? You do know Mr. ROBESON was an opera and classical artist dontcha? Now here a guy who could do it ALL!
Yes indeed! Now let me reveal a well kept secret about America's greatest male singer. Why is it a secret and why is he America's greatest male singer? It's a secret due to the fact he was a guy with an 8th grade education and an alcoholic (not unlike Bjorling) striving to be the greatest entertainer, which at his peak he was. Spinning, flipping, dropping to his knees, singing on his back and flooring the crowds. Greatest because his mob owned record company made him sing everything which he could and would! Putting him up against Elvis (his buddy) Mario Lanza and every pop, blues jazz and R&B singer around. But when he entered the studio to record the following, the seasoned musicians from symphonies, opera, and studios couldn't believe he could sing the scores as written. And, even asked before hand should they be transposed down. I've wondered for the longest why he didn't just stand on stage and sing his heart out. Ladies and gentlemen I present America's unrecognized, overlooked, unappreciated greatest male singer.Listen to him at his finest and see if you don't agree. He made me find Bjorling, appreciate lyricism, depth, power, and the beauty of the male voice and tenors. Listen to the whole album. You'll like it.
JACKIE WILSON BODY AND SOUL!
@@tinyderppotato5410 Love it when he sing about another Swede, Joe Hill, the Union guy.
You do not need to be able to understand. It's just so joyful! I cry every time I here it.
I'm not a religious person but this is the one Christmas song that gives me real sense of the divinity of the holiday.
This translation is incredibly evocative. It's like flying over the Scandinavian landscape on some epic quest. Here in Norway no one performs any translation but this Swedish one, it's a true Scandinavian gem. Also, Swedish vowels have a beautiful luster.
But Norway has the most glorious soprano voice ever heard.
@@dubbelhenke854 she sings the swedish version
@@monicasaetre Hon har aldrig sjungit in den. Jag menar givetvis Kirsten Flagstad.
Thank you! I thought of that as well. Swedish is a great language for music, we have clear vowels. We have several words that are spelled the same way and the only thing that differs and make a severe difference is the way we pronounce the vowels. Anden can be "a spirit" or a type of bird.
Can I admit to crying slightly at the thought of just hearing Jussi's voice?
A gift from God..... the world stops turning when he sings. Go raibh maith a mile maith agat Jussi. (Irish for: thank you a 1000 times)
I am from Sweden. I have always said that no one sings this song as good as Jussi. It makes it even more emotional if you understand Swedish. Thank you for reacts to this song.
Is it even possible to hear this and NOT cry? Unbelievable performance.
One of Swedens greatest ever! A very special personality, but I guess that's what it takes. Wonderful to find out that this history of music achievements still finds an audience who gets it 😁👍 There is actually a female opera singer you should take a look at: Birgit Nilsson! An amazing story, from being totally dismissed as a singer at a young age, poor daughter of a miller, to one of the worlds greatest.
Yes please🙏🏼
Brigit Nilsson is an absolute matriarch. I warched a long documentary on her once on UA-cam and was just floored! Power to spare. Piercing clarity and immense resionance too! What a singer she was!
I support this notion! Merry Christmas 🎄⛄ everybody and thanks for Jussi Mr perfect.
@@TheSeeking2know Happy to see this comment, yes, she was a woman who was so extraordinary, a true Diva but in a very rare good way - a raw model in many ways. 💜
One of the best ever. Pavarotti said in an interview men should not be compared to gods or something alike when they tried to compare the two of them.
What a wonderful thing to see on Christmas Eve, which is when we Swedes have our main Christmas (or rather Yule) celebration. Jussi had an absolutely amazing voice and he deserves to be more in people's minds today than he is. I guess it's because Opera isn't exactly the biggest in the mainstream but this is a voice I think transcends a genre and style with its quality. I also really like the Swedish version of this song, as it's a case where the older Swedish lends itself very well to the song.
I remember reading about the great Pavarotti getting asked how he compares himself to Jussi and he replied "oh please, I'm only human". I'm not sure it's possible to get a greater compliment in music than that, coming from such an iconic tenor, and it's always nice to see such accomplished people show humility.
My dads request was for me to make sure his beloved Jussi was played at his funeral ..And this is one of three that was played for my dad ..who simply worship Jussi amongst all others ..my dad was 91 years ..when he passed in January this year 2022 ...I cry all the time when I listen to Jussi as I am now ..it's took me ages to to do this ..Thank you I've enjoyed this ,And of course was brought up on Jussi and other great tenor's of that era ...
The one and only Jussi! It's sad that most Swedes today have no idea how great this man was. Most have heard this song at Christmas time, but never appreciate the greatness.
His version of "Till Havs" is even more fantastic than this song I think. You can really hear the stormy vast oceans in his voice and almost see the ships riding the waves with torn sails! So take a look at that one too Elisabeth! 😊
I am not a musical enthusiast. However, Jussi’s voice is so phenomenal I was instantly drawn to his mastery of singing opera. Your description of his performance enhanced my appreciation for him. Thank you 🙏🏽
My grandfather did see him at the Opera in Stockholm from the 30’s… many times .. until he dies !
He sad… was the best ever !
i´m born and come from the same town as Jussi. Imagine they gonna close his museum down and put it in a small section of our town library... yep the greatest of all time is nearly forgotten here soon, at least his statue still stands in the middle of our townsquare. (who knows for how long) its a tragedy without words.
Being from Sweden, I have listened to this song countless times for 33 December months, and I'm pretty sure I will continue listening to it during Christmas time forever. Still makes all the hairs on my arms stand up
Jussi Björling will always be the best tenor in my mind. ☺️ My grandparents saw him perform with the Lyric Opera in Chicago. The first time I stepped on the Lyric’s stage (chaperone) all I could think was “Jussi Björling sang on this stage.”
The ´sotto voce ´ on the dynamic peak is absolutly stunning.
Ah, happy to see I wasn't crazy! He really was great! An amazing singer and I'm sure I have a CD of his best in my car somewhere... Got it from an opera festival here in finland.At the time I thought they had just swindled me :D
Thank you for doing. A masterpiece.
Jussi Bjorling and Robert Merrill in singing the Perl Fishers duet is IMHO one of the finest examples of opera ever recorded
So good that Jussi is appreciated outside of Sweden. Wonderful that you play this song in Swedish. It's something with the Swedish language that goes so well with singing. I was in Malaga standing in a line to the Picasso Museum with a friend. Some women behind us asked what language we were speaking. They said it sounded like we were singing, very soft sounds thay said. Thank you so much for putting Jussi out there. He truly is the greatest. The timbre if his voice, the shimmering as you call it is unique.
The GOAT! JB literally gives me chills when he hits notes. 🥶
Jussi Björling had such an spectacular voice. He was from my hometown Borlänge in Sweden and standing as a statue at the city center in a part of the center named after him called "Jussi Björling's Square".
My grandmother chose this song as her funeral song. If she and I agreed on one thing, it was that this song was the best ever sung. My only current issue is that it brings me to uncontrollable tears every time. What a masterpiece, what a voice, what a song. Simply incredible. Absolutely nothing matches this in any category
3 songs I can't hear without tears and goosebumps attacking me hard: Hurt - Cash, Lazarus - Bowie and this masterpiece from my neightbors in Sweden. :)
Can you recommend me some good Norwegian singer, except for the awesome Aurora and Ane Brun? Much love from your Swedish broder.
@@architechproducer We have plenty of amazing female vocalists, to name a few: Helene Bøksle, Katrine Stenbekk, Susanne Sundfør, Ida Jenshus, Monica Heldal, Ine Hoem, Emilie Nicolas, Rebekka Karijord, Gunnhild Sundli, Ingrid Helene Håvik, Agnete Kjølsrud, Sissel Kyrkjebø, Anna of the North, Eline Thorp, Karoline Krüger
@@architechproducer for an elvish otherworldly, yet poppy feel, I'd recommend Bertine Zettlits.
@@architechproducer In addition to the ones mentioned by Jonathan, I would like to add Christine Guldbrandsen and Ingebjørg Bratland. They are among my favourites, together with Helene Bøksle.
It's not just sending down shivers down one's spine, it's sending tears down one's cheeks due to it's beauty. There are many songs out there that can rile emotions but Jussi's voice is so majestic, clean, powerful, entrancing, that he could've sung about anything, and the sheer beauty of it is enough to send tears down.