Jussi Björling in Mozart

Mozart wrote so well for the voice that his music is still regarded as an essential discipline for students. Jussi was fortunate in being tutored by John Forsell, a specialist in Mozart operas, especially Don Giovanni. One of the arias he worked on was “Dalla sua pace,” the first act aria of Don Ottavio, and wisely he sang it for his 1928 audition at the Opera School and was accepted after further tuition. Jussi later wrote “Of all the opera styles, Mozart’s is the one closest to my heart. My teacher, John Forsell, gave me things to sing that were beneficial both for the throat and the intellect - so it was mostly Mozart. Mozart by no means suits all singers, but if one can sing Mozart well, then I think one can also sing Rossini and Verdi very well.” After less than 2 years of study, Forsell considered the 19-year-old ready for a debut in a major role, Don Ottavio, with the 60-year-old teacher, and manager of the Royal Opera himself as Don Giovanni.