The Greatest Tenor: Jussi Björling "O Holy Night" REACTION & ANALYSIS by Vocal Coach / Opera Singer
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- 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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#Christmas #Reaction #TheCharismaticVoice
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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.
ruclips.net/video/ElJ0fiD0lkc/видео.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
ruclips.net/video/KVvkl9S3Fg0/видео.html
Oops may have forgotten to send the reference...Jackie Wilson Body and Soul!
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.
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.
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.
Best operasinger ever!
There is no one else to sing like Jussi. I was once at the museum in Bolänge dedicated to Jussi Björling. He lived a rough life though, all from his childhood.
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 ❤
Finally a reaction video worth the name, I thought we were gonna have a big O moment there :-)
Jussi Björling being one one of the greatest tenors of all time is is something a layman like me (also being Swedish) is just taking for a fact as every knowledgeable person states it so.
But actually having it explained WHY he is, in detail, by an expert, with enthusiasm and knowledge, without the bs, that is something I appreciate greatly and will carry with me forever. I'll never listen to an opera clip the same way again.
Thanks Elizabeth.
I am getting massive amounts of goose bumps and I can feel waves going through my body. What an incredible voice!
Jussi Bjorling, the greatest tenor who ever lived!
That´s right Sir!
I hear him for the first time,I only thank God for his voice!He is the best tenor I've ever heard and agree with Pavarotti's comments 'l am only a man'
Indeed, Jussi had the sweetest, well rounded voice ever. The full range of his tone and overtone combinations combined with his musicality makes him sound as best. Yes, breathing technique, placing his voice consistently, tasteful dynamics and overall effect could be only compared to nothing else, but the finest instrument played well. Truly enchanting |
Absolutely the most beautiful & moving version of this carol that I have yet to hear.
Great reaction. This version brings me to tears almost every time 😊
Jussi Björling was a perfectionist blessed with perfect pitch. He absolutely could not stand singers who were off-pitch or holding a note less than its full value. Björling's virile and plangent voice is unique in the annals of opera. Most of today's tenors (or opera singers in general) all sound pretty much the same to me, like they all went to the same 'international school' of singing.
This made me cry, and so proud of my fellow Swede. We have a rich tradition of singing in Sweden and still do ❤❤
Music really transcends language. I'm flattered that you listened to the original in Swedish. When this song was played during Christmas parties, I would always be so moved by his voice. His consonants are so delicate!
Thank you for your wonderful emotional, immersed and knowledgeable commentary. I’m saving this video as a favourite for sure. 💐💐
To a Swede there never was a more beautiful voice than Jussi Björling's. The emotional content making grown men cry. Beauty and power.
And he was a singer of and for the people, not the elite. Everybody loved and enjoyed Jussi Björling.
Tainted by pop versions of the classic christmas songs, it's always such a relief, the rear occasions this fills the radio waves with its pure beauty, passion and power.
What a pleasant surprise to see this video show up in the recommended videos. Thank you!
Most Glorious Voice. A Spiritual Experience to hear it. A burning in My Heart when He sings .Thank You. His notes are like a Soaring Eagle, Flying Effortlessly High, Higher, Higher ! ❤️ Over The Whole World !
the live performance isnt even comparable. its literally night and day. the voice IRL with someone like that might as well be magic. because its nothing like you have ever heard. the power, the decibels, the raw output on certain notes and frequencies literally fries your brain. its truly god like awe inspiring.
Thank you for such a great and reverent analysis of probably the greatest of tenors ever lived! If you haven’t heard already pls have a listen to Jussi Björling singing the beautiful Swedish song ”Ack Varmeland du skona”.
When you put the greatest singers with the greatest songs,this is what you get.
The Best! Just the best. The hair on the back of my neck rising.
From what I understand it was his father that educated him.
Also Swedish is a language that is good for singing opera.
I am from Sweden What a great voice
This is my favourite Christmas song, and my favourite version of this song as well. I just love Jussi's voice so much.
My Mum heard him live and said it was unbelievable, it just kept coming.
Your reaction, analysis and explanations made my day.
Oh, this was one of the most lovely music Christmas experiences as a youth. I loved it! I loved every time they played it on the radio.
Much of it is the Swedish language. You only hear this if you grew up in Sweden. It modulated his italian accent in a benificial manner.
I remember being in the archipelago south of Stockholm, when the news came over the radio that he had died. He was only a few km away.
One of the greatest of all time.
Ive always believed opera and metal walk hand in hand. Please continue to post more opera, your perspective opens a new light to everything i see you do.
I visit his grave from time to time. In my hometown Borlänge.
I was able to visit his grave and go to The Jussi Bjorling Museum before it sadly was closed.
Pavarotti once said that every time he gets a new song/role, he first listened how Jussi did it.
So sad that they are closing down the museum dedicated to jussi. One of Swedens brightest shining stars.
Yes, very sad.
ONE take + ONE result = world renown.
Jussi was such an amazing singer! This performance is so pretty and powerful with so good pronounciation. I think one thing that is important to mention. Swedish is a very good language for singing because of the vowels. There is also one good finnish tenor "Tuomas Katajala" I have singed with when he was soloist at my choir gig and I found very good video of him singing "Oi jouluyö" (O holy night) and I like his sound very much and the video was very interesting to watch how he does it.
Not a huge fan of opera but I love your reaction. You look so happy! ❤
Very good program and presentation!!!!
So great to hear! I was surprised he didn't go for the super high note though. Perhaps this was later in his career.
Everything has been said by others. So I'll just agree.
AND, AND,...
Callas "non creadea mirarti oh fiore" (Sonambula), Casta Diva (with Maestro Prete)...in this performance she seems to praying......AND, AND., Totti dal Monte (favorita di Toscannini) "non creadea mirarti oh fiore" and Casta Diva..
Grazie mille per la magnifica scelta .... i.e., Björling....
I would like you to review he and Victoria de los Angeles singing an duet from Madame Butterly Viene la sera. I have never heard two more beautiful voices together.
I think the most beautiful love duet ever written.
You should check out “Till havs” with Jussi. Absolutely amazing!
Han är fortfarande nr 1
I’m really a fan of Jussi. But everybody should listen to his opera recordings. Listen to his recording of Mdm Butterfly together with Victoria de Los Angeles, recorded 1959 one year before he died. Amazing! Or listen to his Nesum Dorma and compare it with Pavarotti. I like Jussi’s version better, because Pavarotti makes the piece to much into a technical show-off. (Everybody has their own opinion and I know many will not agree with me!) Also listen to Jussi and Robert Merlin in the Peal fisher duet.
I grew up with Jussi Björling's music. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this. In my opinion the best recording ever of the Pearl Fishers Duet is the one by Jussi Björling and Robert Merrill. I would love to hear your opinion of this recording.
It would be really interesting to hear you talk about his Nessum Dorma. In spite of the inferior recording tech, possibly also comparing him and Luciano Pavarotti on the same song.
Heja Sverige! Per from Sweden.
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
-«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 😊
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😊
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 🙌
There's something about the Swedish version that just hits on a whole other level.
Den er glimrandre
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 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
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 😂
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.
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.
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 ☺️
Elizabeth, you are the best сoach😍
Aww, thank you for the kind words. Happy Holidays as well! ❤️🎄
This is gods own royal singer now. No one can come close to him. Period.
There is nobody like Jussi. That is correct. He will never be equaled. A sad truth.
💚
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.
Best tenor of all time.
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.
I'm not Swedish but in my view this is the most perfect performance of anything, ever.
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 RUclips 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.
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.
Jag får hoppas att ni hittar tillbaka till varandra.❤
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 Swede, thank you!
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, 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 ❤ 🎄
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
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.
Didn’t expect to find myself ugly-crying at Christmas songs in the middle of August, but here we are.
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.
As a Dane, I understand every word he sings, just amazing 🇩🇰🇩🇰
“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
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.
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.
As a swede im deeply ashamed by the lack of respect for this legend.
The museum dedicated to him was closed 2020 to never opened again since this country not willing to put up some effort to a cultural treasure, not considered as a priority.
A crying shame indeed.
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."
I don't care for opera at all. But hearing his voice..... makes me cry. It goes straight into my heart, and stays there 💕
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!!
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
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!
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!💖👍🏼
As a Swede i have heard this version a hundred times but it still gives me the shivers. I adore his voice and while listening to this my whole body is one big goosebump! Thanks for making this video
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."
''No mom I'm not crying I just got something in my eyes"
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.
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.
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.
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 :)
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! 😊
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.
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
Pavarotti, when asked to compare himself to Jussi, answered; well, I'm only human.
Pavarotti once said "Not even in my greatest moments I am close to Jussi Björling". /Greetings from Sweden! ❤️
Last season my spanish born children told me "It's not christmas until jussi sings!".. my work is done.. and grandad is smiling from heaven!