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. th-cam.com/video/ElJ0fiD0lkc/w-d-xo.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.
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
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
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.
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.
that is the image his voice evokes. A Powerful force of nature surging through the forest, over lakes and around the mountains. Warmly dressed in generous Wadmal
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! :)
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!
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.
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
“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
Jussi was very strict in his interpretation of roles, striving to do them as they were written. So I can understand how Pavarotti saw his performances as the absolute gold standard to listen to before doing his interpretation.
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.
@@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.
Vad är historien bakom ditt efternamn? Marnoch är ändå rätt ovanligt eller? När jag försöker uttala det så får jag en känsla av lite sydeuropeiska rötter, kan det stämma tro?
@MrUpeetamahtavaa yeah that is true, it is in fact a Finnish name. I wonder what the story is behind how it came to be that he got himself a Finnish name as a nickname instead of his real name? Jussi isn't really that close to either Johan or Jonatan, so there might be an interesting story surrounding why it became 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!
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.
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.".
@@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.
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!
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.
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."
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!
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.
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 ❤ 🎄
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! 🎅
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.
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!💖👍🏼
Vilken underbar video. Den här inspelningen har jag växt upp med, men det var helt ljuvligt att se och höra dig uppleva och kommentera rösten och musiken.
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.
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!
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
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.
I listen to him every christmas. On the way to my parents i stop the car and just sit there and soak it all in. My favorite memory was when there was big snowflakes around i stopped on a small road surrounded by big pine trees. The little things that can make a moment last. Now its summer and i saw this siting at work. Got to go and wipe my face from tears. People would start to wonder in this open office space. Greatest voice i ever heard, god bless him and all his has done with his voice for us.
This song gives wings to the Scandinavian soul. The love of our nature, Scandinavian mentality, to our great culture. Jussi is Scandinavian at its best. We all share the love of him. Goosebumps and happy xmas to every one of you, my fellow Scandinavians.
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 ...
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.
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.❤
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.
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.
As a Norwegian with a Sweidh heritage (my grandmother on my father´s side was Swedish), this song with Jussi is Christmas for me. Also, the clarity he sings with as someone pointed out here makes it extra special. Thanks for shedding more light to this wonderful tune and singer.
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)
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.
I'm really into music and the mechanics about it. Me and a friend made 10-12 original death metal songs together in our studio. It warms my heart to hear someone completely opposite still appriceate the work of art that is Jussi.
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.
It’s been said about Jussi that his was a voice ”heavy with unshed tears”. It’s a very good description. By the way, you are very endearing when indulging in Jussi’s voice.
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 ❤
He gave it all. His voice bites right through the marrow. So pure and sincere. Jussi Björling is my all time favourite tenor. His performance of 'O Helga Natt' sucks hold of you right away, and a few seconds later your eyes starts to water. Talk about aching beauty... After the song you feel reborn again. Music is a wonderful thing.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 🙏🏽
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.”
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
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
This recording was done "live" in the Stockholm Opera. There was no audience present, but the applause has been added later for effect. But It was recorded with a live orchestra, in ONE TAKE, as were it live. This is the ULTIMATE version of "O Holy Night". NOBODY has even come close...
Someone once told me, when I attended an opera performance in Gothenburg Sweden, that the Scandinavian opera singers have something special in their voices. They said that you can hear the iron/steel, the frost and the melancholy in their voices and I have to admit I didn't really understand it way back then but since, and especially listening to Jussi, i can sort of hear it... Great, great reaction to a wonderful singer and a beautiful song. Thank you:) !
O Helga Natt ( O Holy night) sung by Jussi Björling was my father's absolute favourite Christmas song and we used to listen it to every Christmas morning. I still do in memory of my dad who passed almost three years ago. Unrivalled!
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.
Thank you for this. Our family christmas tradition: Every year as the clock ticks over into midnight on the 24th of December, whether we're together or apart, we open the windows and blast Jussi's "O Helga Natt" to the heavens. I'm not even a Christian, not even an opera fan, but this is just a perfect piece of music. So far I've never made it through it without tears in my eyes.
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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.
th-cam.com/video/ElJ0fiD0lkc/w-d-xo.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
th-cam.com/video/KVvkl9S3Fg0/w-d-xo.html
Oops may have forgotten to send the reference...Jackie Wilson Body and Soul!
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.
💚
Well, Fritz Wunderlich came very close if not beyond. But....all glory to Jussi. : )
Best tenor of all time.
A Swedish national treasure, he is of course still a legend over here, more than sixty years after his death. 💗💗
Amazing
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.
As a Swede, I think this is art.
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 😂
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 ☺️
that is the image his voice evokes. A Powerful force of nature surging through the forest, over lakes and around the mountains. Warmly dressed in generous Wadmal
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.
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 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.
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
Amen
instämmer till fullo.
Håll käften!
@@atvheads Anar jag en smula passiv aggression? 😂
@@eyeballdude Näe, manlig humor bara.😄
“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
If anyone is wondering, that is a real quote. In an interview for a Swedish newspaper 1988. Just google it.
Jussi was very strict in his interpretation of roles, striving to do them as they were written. So I can understand how Pavarotti saw his performances as the absolute gold standard to listen to before doing his interpretation.
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😊
My wife and I are swedish. We listen to this every christmas morning. Brings tears to my eyes almost every time I hear this.
Vad är historien bakom ditt efternamn? Marnoch är ändå rätt ovanligt eller? När jag försöker uttala det så får jag en känsla av lite sydeuropeiska rötter, kan det stämma tro?
I am from Finland and listen this many times in year. Jussi is Finish name.....
@MrUpeetamahtavaa yeah that is true, it is in fact a Finnish name. I wonder what the story is behind how it came to be that he got himself a Finnish name as a nickname instead of his real name? Jussi isn't really that close to either Johan or Jonatan, so there might be an interesting story surrounding why it became Jussi.
Nice to see someone geek out over Jussi Björling - lovely voice. Really.
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
Hur kan man inte bli tårögd? Helt magisk röst. :)
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.
Just brilliant
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.
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.
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 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.❤
There's something about the Swedish version that just hits on a whole other level.
Den er glimrandre
-«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 😊
@@andreaseriksson8803It means he wants to be, not that he is.
People keep repeating this, but I've never seen a source for the quote. Seems apocryphal to me?
OMG! Jussi is from my hometown in Sweden! This was a very pleasent surprise!
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!
So great! Please keep this tradition! ❤️
How can one not cry hearing this...
Pavarotti once said "Not even in my greatest moments I am close to Jussi Björling". /Greetings from Sweden! ❤️
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."
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.
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 ❤ 🎄
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!
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
The GOAT!
Every single time, I cry, I wince, I soar, I'm so fortunate you've chosen to share the most thrilling recorded voice of my time. Thank you.
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!💖👍🏼
One take, one mic, live. Absolutely incredible.
Didn’t expect to find myself ugly-crying at Christmas songs in the middle of August, but here we are.
Vilken underbar video. Den här inspelningen har jag växt upp med, men det var helt ljuvligt att se och höra dig uppleva och kommentera rösten och musiken.
Elizabeth, you are the best сoach😍
Aww, thank you for the kind words. Happy Holidays as well! ❤️🎄
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, thank you!
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
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
Underbar tradition.
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. What gets me is the sooo clean prononciation of each word. It´s crystal clear, and it's unbelievable!!
Precis vad jag tänker på, man kan höra varje stavelse, det ger hans röst sådan styrka 😊 otroligt
Ingen når hans storhet.
I listen to him every christmas. On the way to my parents i stop the car and just sit there and soak it all in. My favorite memory was when there was big snowflakes around i stopped on a small road surrounded by big pine trees. The little things that can make a moment last. Now its summer and i saw this siting at work. Got to go and wipe my face from tears. People would start to wonder in this open office space. Greatest voice i ever heard, god bless him and all his has done with his voice for us.
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.
This song gives wings to the Scandinavian soul. The love of our nature, Scandinavian mentality, to our great culture. Jussi is Scandinavian at its best. We all share the love of him. Goosebumps and happy xmas to every one of you, my fellow Scandinavians.
Det samma till dig.
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 ...
To my ear, he had a wonderful effortless power that sounded easy for him, and never forced. His voice never sounded overdriven.
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."
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.❤
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.
Jaha, en Get. The Bock Saga.
As a Dane, I understand every word he sings, just amazing 🇩🇰🇩🇰
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.
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 do not need to be able to understand. It's just so joyful! I cry every time I here it.
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
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.
As a Norwegian with a Sweidh heritage (my grandmother on my father´s side was Swedish), this song with Jussi is Christmas for me. Also, the clarity he sings with as someone pointed out here makes it extra special. Thanks for shedding more light to this wonderful tune and singer.
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)
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.
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'm really into music and the mechanics about it. Me and a friend made 10-12 original death metal songs together in our studio. It warms my heart to hear someone completely opposite still appriceate the work of art that is Jussi.
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 :)
It’s been said about Jussi that his was a voice ”heavy with unshed tears”. It’s a very good description.
By the way, you are very endearing when indulging in Jussi’s voice.
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 ❤
Best operasinger ever!
He was the BEST! The ABSOLUTE BEST! I cry and shudder every time I hear him sing this beautiful song!
He gave it all. His voice bites right through the marrow. So pure and sincere. Jussi Björling is my all time favourite tenor. His performance of 'O Helga Natt' sucks hold of you right away, and a few seconds later your eyes starts to water. Talk about aching beauty... After the song you feel reborn again. Music is a wonderful thing.
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.
Jussi, my favourite tenor of all times. Looking forward to this.
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.
When i hear Jussi björling, it makes me so emotional, he has this divine voice..❤Wonderful!
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.
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
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.
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 🙏🏽
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.”
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!!
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
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 :)
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
This recording was done "live" in the Stockholm Opera. There was no audience present, but the applause has been added later for effect. But It was recorded with a live orchestra, in ONE TAKE, as were it live. This is the ULTIMATE version of "O Holy Night". NOBODY has even come close...
Jag håller med, helt enastående äkta och naturligt uttryck. Fantastiskt.
Someone once told me, when I attended an opera performance in Gothenburg Sweden, that the Scandinavian opera singers have something special in their voices. They said that you can hear the iron/steel, the frost and the melancholy in their voices and I have to admit I didn't really understand it way back then but since, and especially listening to Jussi, i can sort of hear it... Great, great reaction to a wonderful singer and a beautiful song. Thank you:) !
Thank you! As many other Swedes have written, this has a special place in our hearts. And on Christmas Eve as well. Wow!
One of the most beautiful voices of all time. So lucky to have recordings. He has a sweetness to his tone that is just so lovely.
The GOAT! JB literally gives me chills when he hits notes. 🥶
He was the best!
O Helga Natt ( O Holy night) sung by Jussi Björling was my father's absolute favourite Christmas song and we used to listen it to every Christmas morning. I still do in memory of my dad who passed almost three years ago. Unrivalled!
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.
One of the greatest tenors of all times. No one on earth could sing that song ever better. Amazing. Got goose bumps all over.
You are just fantastic… Love your emotionell wieving (or what you - over there - calling it…).
Many regards from Per Jacobson- Sweden…
I cant help I get tears in my eyes every time I listen to the power of Jussi singing this song! ❤
the greatest tenor and my favourite christmas song, awesome choice for a christmas reaction.
I am getting massive amounts of goose bumps and I can feel waves going through my body. What an incredible voice!
Thank you for this.
Our family christmas tradition: Every year as the clock ticks over into midnight on the 24th of December, whether we're together or apart, we open the windows and blast Jussi's "O Helga Natt" to the heavens. I'm not even a Christian, not even an opera fan, but this is just a perfect piece of music. So far I've never made it through it without tears in my eyes.
The ´sotto voce ´ on the dynamic peak is absolutly stunning.