Jussi Björling & Robert Merrill – Pearl Fishers Duet
January 21, 2010When Merrill comes in at 0:27 its like chocolate. Also, It doesn’t even matter if you are expecting it, or how many times you’ve heard it; 1:45 will give you chills. If it doesn’t, you’d better check your pulse. The contrast of Bjorling’s soaring quality and Merrill’s richness at 2:20 is excellent.
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I have been listening to this duet for more years than I care to remember, and everytime I hear it, it continues to thrill me. Surely one of the greatest operatic recordings ever made, and it has not once been out of print on RCA since it was released in 1951!
I certainly agree with Ed. The sound of these voices blending is just glorious! As is all of the duets and arias in the original release. I think it was Merrill who related that Jussi was so nervous about the choices, particularly the Otello duet. They walked around the block several times with Merrill encouraging till Jussi finally said “Let’s do it!” The result was just a wnderful recording session that stands unique, on a level with the incredible Attila and I Lombardi trios w/Gigli,Pinza and Rethberg. And though I don’t want to start another thread, the sound on my original 10 inch LP still moves me more than the CD.
This recording is truly wonderful. I first heard it when I was 16.I am now 65 and I still feel as if I am hearing it for the first time! My original EP played badly and I suspect was slightly warped but the glory of these two great artistes still shone through. Wonderful!