Jussi Bjoerling Movies
- 1997
For the first half of the Twentieth Century the exchange of music was accomplished through the recording and distribution of the old 78-rpm records. Many of the great orchestras and performers were forever immortalized on the old 78's. This video highlights three of the finest tenors of the Twentieth Century: Jussi Bjorling, Lauritz Melchior and Helge Rosvaenge. Dutch tenor Melchior is noted for definitive interpretation of the roles in many of Richard Wagner's operas and is considered the greatest heldentenor that ever lived; Bjorling is best remember for his centered, flawless and focused vocal qualities at the Met and the San Francisco Opera House; and Rosvaenge is said to have suspended time in the opera house: his voice, his singing would transport the audience to another time and place by capturing and creating the tone of the role. This video is ideal for lover of music. ~ Forrest Spencer, Rovi
An international collection of well-known directors contributed to this compilation film, each fashioning a short film inspired by an aria from a famous opera. The approaches vary broadly, from the playful abstraction of Jean-Luc Godard's segment, which illustrates Armide with exercising body-builders, to the more literal approach of Franc Roddam, who transports Tristan und Isolde's story to modern-day Las Vegas. A particular stand-out is Julian Temple's take on Rigoletto, which recasts Verdi as the accompaniment to a contemporary Southern California sex farce. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- Starring:
- Theresa Russell, Nicola Swain, (more)
- 1950
This video is part of a series that presents telecasts from the celebrated Voice of Firestone series, a musical high note in early television history. Some of the world's greatest opera stars appeared on the show, singing songs from their signature roles, as well as other pieces. In Classic Performances From the Voice of Firestone: Vol. 2 -- Jussi Bjoerlin, Swedish born Jussi Bjoerling is featured. Bjoerling began his professional career at the age of five, and made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1938. He thrilled audiences with the clarity of his tenor voice. This television performance is especially important for operatic history, since Bjoerling met an untimely death before he reached the age of 50. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi
- 1947
Queen for a Night was the English-language title bestowed upon this lighthearted Swedish musical. The film is a showcase for the exquisite singing of Metropolitan Opera star Jussi Bjoerling, cast as the lover of the title character, played by Guril Lemon Bernhard, lead singer of the Royal Opera of Stockholm. When their romance is in danger of coming to end, the King of Sweden, Gustaf III (Torsten Winge), plots to reunite the lovebirds. Most of the action occurs at an 18th-century masked ball, with leading lady Bernhard provocatively dressed as Venus. In addition to the vocal contributions of stars Bjoerling and Bernhard, Queen for a Night features several musical renditions by another Royal Opera "regular," Gosta Kjellertz. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jussi Bjoerling
