Björling, Jussi (y

s`sĭ byör`lĭng), 1911–60, Swedish tenor. He studied at the Royal Opera School in Stockholm, making his debut there in 1930 as Don Ottavio in Mozart's Don Giovanni. He made guest appearances in leading roles with opera companies in Copenhagen, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Paris, and Buenos Aires. In the United States he was acclaimed at a recital in 1937 in Springfield, Mass. and at an appearance with the Chicago Civic Opera Company and was engaged for the 1938–39 season at the Metropolitan Opera House. During World War II Björling remained in Sweden, but returned to the United States to rejoin the Metropolitan Opera Company in 1945. His voice was both lyric and dramatic and he had an extensive repertory, including leading roles in La Bohème, Rigoletto, Il Trovatore, and Faust.

Björling, Jussi

orig. Johan Jonaton Björling

(born Feb. 2, 1911, Stora Tuna, Swed.—died Sept. 9, 1960, Siarö) Swedish tenor. He began to sing in public as a child and toured Europe and the U.S. with his family. Recruited by the Royal Swedish Opera in 1928, he was soon a star performer. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 1938 as Rodolfo in La Bohème. He remained in Sweden during World War II but returned to the Met for several seasons afterward. He became a favourite on stage and in recordings for the sheer beauty and musicality of his singing.