Nicolai Gedda: My Life and Art (Opera Biographies (Amadeus)) [Hardcover]

Nicolai Gedda (Author)

Book Description

Series: Opera Biographies (Amadeus) | Publication Date: March 1, 2003

This autobiography is the first full-length book in English on Nicolai Gedda, born in Sweden in 1925 but deeply influenced by his Russian-born stepfather, himself a singer with a renowned Russian emigre choir. A leading tenor throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Gedda is acclaimed both for the beauty of his voice and the rare intelligence with which he uses it; he is perhaps the most versatile of tenors, equally at home in opera and song, and the master of nine languages and a wide range of musical styles. These memoirs, written in collaboration with his wife, comment frankly on the events of his life and on the international music scene, revealing both his serious devotion to his art and his indifference to fame and celebrity. HARDCOVER.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Gedda, the lyric tenor raised by Russians in Leipzig and Stockholm, bares his soul in this collection of philosophizing, reflection, and commentary. Born illegitimately to poor people, he was raised by an aunt who was poor herself. His uncle, who directed a choir, cultivated his natural ability. Under the watchful eyes of these overprotective but loving parents, he grew up to be a shy person. Nevertheless, he scrupulously controlled his career, never overextending himself. He debuted at the Stockholm Opera in 1952 and, at 72, sang his last stage role in 1997. Calling the Metropolitan Opera his home, he sang in major European houses, too. Never an actor, he brought out the emotions of his roles through impeccable vocal control. He dwells on his parents and two failed marriages, expressing a personal philosophy anchored in deep religious belief. Best read as though they were being related over tea and cakes in Gedda's Swiss garden, his memoirs offer some insight into one of the twentieth century's foremost concert and operatic singers. Alan Hirsch

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Swedish

Product Details

• Hardcover: 270 pages
• Publisher: Amadeus Press (March 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574670484
• ISBN-13: 978-1574670486
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,663,619 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The truth....even if it hurts, February 26, 2000

By 

madamemusico "madamemusico" (Cincinnati, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nicolai Gedda: My Life and Art (Opera Biographies (Amadeus)) (Hardcover)

After reading one of the reviews I wasn't so sure about this book; after all, I have been an great admirer of Nicolai Gedda since first hearing him at the Metropolitan in 1962 and I found it hard to imagine him as "petulant". I decided to take a chance on this book and I was very impressed by the truthfulness that Mr. Gedda has: unless you have been yourself a victim of psychological and emotional abuse it is very easy to state that the person is petty on past wrongs. That does not apply in Mr. Gedda's case at all: it seems like this biography is a form of journelling for him and he has finally been able to let go emotionally of the years of pent-up distress he suffered from the abuse in his family.....something NONE of the loyal fans that we were backstage at the Met had any clue about. Also, the book is very imformative as to his technique and opinions on literature: discography a little sketchy....I highly recommend this book: it must have hurt him to reveal all the suffering he went through, but he released his torment by doing that....and thanks to Aino, Nicolai Gedda has finally found the happiness he deserves, after giving all of us the pleasure of hearing him sing (through years of his inner struggles): read the book--it's worth it!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent autobiography of a great tenor, October 29, 1999

By 

W. Russell (Springfield, VA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nicolai Gedda: My Life and Art (Opera Biographies (Amadeus)) (Hardcover)

Many autobiographies are a dull recitation of "I sang here and there" and "My this and that." Nicolai Gedda's memoirs are one of the all-too-few volumes to rise above that and present a thoughtful story of an outstanding career. Of course, Mr Gedda discusses his performances and roles but they are done with a modesty that shows he didn't think the whole production revolved around him.

My only quibble about the book is the lack of a true discography. The list of recordings and general dates doesn't do more than demonstrate the depth and range of Mr Gedda's art.

A highly recommendable book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fine biography of the great Swedish Tenor, June 19, 2001

By 

akira sakai (URAWA-SHI, SAITAMA Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nicolai Gedda: My Life and Art (Opera Biographies (Amadeus)) (Hardcover)

Nicolai Gedda is one of the greatest Tenors of our time,and especially in French repertoire, he is second to none. This biography is a lovely gift to Gedda's admirers. It was to be hoped that there should be more information and data of his stage performances.