by Michael Mayer | Jun 21, 2015 | Jussi, Video
First, I want to say thank you for the many responses to my request for your two biggest questions about the voice. These give me lots of ideas of what you want to learn and understand better. (And if you didn’t respond you are still welcome to do so. See the previous...
by Michael Mayer | Mar 27, 2011 | Facial Resonance, Jussi, Mask, Nasal Resonance, Nasality
I am posting some of my comments from a discussion on the Jussi Björling Yahoo Group that started as an assessment of Joseph Calleja’s Met performance in Lucia di Lammermoor. The topic swung to discussing nasality in singing. First are some of the comments that...
by Michael Mayer | Feb 22, 2011 | Gillis Bratt, Joseph Hislop, Jussi, Swedish/Italian School
I had an article published in the recent Journal of the Jussi Björling Society-USA. It can be read at the website. http://vocalwisdom.com/JBS-Article It discusses the major influences in the development of the tenor Jussi...
by Michael Mayer | Sep 9, 2010 | Jussi, Video
On this date 50 years ago the Swedish tenor Jussi Björling died in his sleep. He was 49 years old. Regular readers of this blog are probably aware of my admiration for this singer. I feel he is the closest to a perfect example of healthy singing function we have...
by Michael Mayer | Aug 17, 2010 | High Notes, Jussi, Mezza Voce, Q&A, Tension
I have a question regarding technique, in this case the (almost) lost art of mezza voce. For all his brilliant top notes I think some of Jussi Björling’s most memorable moments are those in which he is able to sing a high note softly but with a full ravishing...
by Michael Mayer | Jan 28, 2009 | Brownlee, Florez, Jussi, Villazon
I caught the Associated Press review in the local paper of Rolando Villazon’s return to the Met. I am sorry to say I am not surprised about his difficulties. I have only heard him on video and recordings but I have always thought he over-sang. The way he thrusts...
