HoldeKunstBonnie (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

FYI, Gedda IS a native speaker of Russian. He was born in Sweden, grew up in a Russian-speaking home, then lived in Germany during much of childhood (Father was a cantor in a Russian church in Leipzig) so actually had to re-learn his Swedish. In his little autobiography he mentions the Russian elements of his soul and personality.

brd55 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

Sorry, I am out of sync. I was replying on mujviktor posting from 5 months ago when he said he has the recording of Rodina from Petersburg. But I even did not check if mujviktor posted that recording ... Next time will be better :-)I agree about Gedda's ability to become a French when he sings French music, or German when he sings German music, etc...And for me, he is indeed the best performer of Russian vocal music, folk, romances, and operas.

brd55 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

Yes! Yes! Yes! Please, post it !!! It is indeed incredible ! On the front of that LP (I am not aware that they made a CD out of it?) there is Gedda with old-fashioned hat, and rain or winter coat, with Petersburg in the background. Very nice photo.

Herur22 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

Do you think that you could eventually post it, as an audio file? That would be great!

Herur22 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

Please, post it!

cdgray2 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

Positively ineffable!

Ivanhoe2 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

One has to agree with "sergejusz" Gedda becomes whatever nationality he is singing. One of the World's greatest singers; his repertory is staggering. It is a privilege to hear him..Thanks for posting this.

brd55 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

Does anybody know what happened with Gedda's L'Arlésienne video on Youtube?? I heard, and saw it several days ago, put it in my favorites, and now I can not find that video??? I would appreciate any info on this.

mujviktor (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

I have live performance of this song with balalaika orchestra (Petersburg) and it is incredible. :-)

brd55 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

I agree. Gedda is #1 !!! But I have better Gedda's performance of this song on Melodija LP record, reccorded in Moscow in 1980/81? That performance is the best of the best!!! :-)