Immerse yourself in the timeless masterpieces of Giacomo Puccini with this captivating collection featuring the legendary tenor Jussi Bjorling. "Jussi Bjorling in Two Puccini Operas" brings together two of Puccini's most beloved works, "La Bohème" and "Manon Lescaut," performed with unparalleled artistry and emotional depth.
The album opens with "La Bohème," a poignant tale of love and struggle in the bohemian quarters of Paris. Bjorling's exquisite tenor voice shines in iconic arias such as "Che gelida manina" and "O soave fanciulla," capturing the essence of Rodolfo's passionate and tender moments with Mimi. The full cast delivers a powerful performance, bringing Puccini's heartrending story to life.
Following "La Bohème," the album presents "Manon Lescaut," another gem in Puccini's repertoire. Bjorling's rendition of "Donna non vidi mai" is a standout, showcasing his vocal brilliance and emotional range. The opera's dramatic narrative and rich musical score are beautifully executed, making it a highlight of the collection.
Enhanced by insightful commentary from Milton Cross, this album offers a comprehensive and engaging experience for both opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The detailed tracklist includes arias, ensembles, and commentary, providing a complete journey through these operatic masterpieces.
Recorded and released by West Hill Radio Archives on October 4, 2011, this album is a testament to Puccini's enduring legacy and Bjorling's unmatched vocal prowess. With a runtime of 2 hours and 46 minutes, "Jussi Bjorling in Two Puccini Operas" is a must-listen for anyone seeking to explore the depths of classical opera and the genius of Giacomo Puccini.
2011 West Hill Radio Archives2011 West Hill Radio Archives
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