• Tracks

Jussi Björling (tenor) Copenhagen Concert Bertil Bokstedt (piano) The Voice of Firestone Orchestra & Chorus/Howard Barlow rec. Live, Falkoner Centret, Copenhagen, 15 October 1959 (1-17); NBC studio, Rockefeller Center, New York, 10 March 1952 (18-28) JSP RECORDS JSP682 [67:50] The concert took place less than a year before Jussi Björling's demise on 9 September 1960. Only a couple of weeks earlier his heart condition made itself felt during the recording of Madama Butterfly in Rome. With this having happened it was expected that he would be in less than top shape but there is little evidence of that here. In a few places his fortes can sound a bit strained but his breath control is as superb as earlier and his legato singing is exemplary. The beauty of his silvery voice is unmistakable - it is the Jussi we know from so many outstanding recordings. The sound quality of the recording is first class and considering the age is clear and dynamic. Seth B. Winner had excellent basic material at his disposal but he has adjusted to take account of some deviations in volume and has also removed disturbing noises like coughs and squeaks. The piano is balanced a mite closer than the voice but this is no drawback. It makes us experience Bertil Bokstedt's elegant phrasing and exquisite timing. He was a good listener as well as a promoter - the perfect accompanist.