Nikolai Gedda: Biography and Creativity

Nikolai Gedda is one of the most famous world opera singers-tenors. His brilliant, ideal performance of the most diverse parts of the classical repertoire, ranging from lyrical and dramatic operas to touching romances and Russian folk songs, deservedly earned him the reputation of a true vocal master.

Childhood

Nikolai Gedda was born in 1925 in Stockholm. His mother was Swedish, and his father was half Russian. A small Kolya's wife married a second time. And the boy's stepfather was a fine singer. In exile, he sang in the Cossack Cossack choir, and then was a psalm-reader in Orthodox churches in Leipzig and Stockholm. It was he who became the first teacher and mentor of the future tenor.

The boy was singing in the church choir. It was then that, in his own recollections, he understood and realized that he was endowed with an unquestionable musical gift. Then Nikolai Gedda felt in himself a love of music and an absolute hearing. However, the difficult life of the family did not allow him to professionally develop voice. Returning in 1934 to his homeland, he graduated from high school and became an ordinary employee, forced to earn himself and his family for bread.

Training

During the war he worked in the postal service and in the woods, helping his stepfather to cut down trees. According to the artist's memoirs, his duties initially included packing of parcels. Then he was responsible for the preparation of firewood. Nevertheless, these were very important years for him, because it was then that the love for music finally became stronger in him. And he decided to become a professional singer. Of great importance for him was listening to the outstanding tenors of modern times. Nikolai Gedda enjoyed the voices of H. Roswenge, Gigli, who sounded on the radio, the magnificent performance of which prompted him to take up his own vocals.

At first he took lessons from the Latvian singer M. Vintere. But, according to the singer, she did not develop in him the technique he needed. But M. Eman's training was of fundamental importance for him. The latter not only taught him to properly manage the voice, but also literally introduced him into the modern music world. Thanks to him, tenor Nikolai Gedda began to receive a special scholarship. She allowed him to pay for lessons and spend more time on music. Subsequently, he entered as an auditor in the Music Academy.

First success

In the early 1950s, the Swedish opera singer Gedda was first recognized in the music world. At first, he received the party of the impostor in the opera Boris Godunov. Then he was invited to sing in Don Juan. The last work was a huge success. The public and the critics were unanimous in the opinion that the young singer is ideal in Mozart's repertoire. The world's leading theaters and famous composers immediately drew attention to the new artist. So, K. Orf immediately invited him to perform the party in the last part of his trilogy "Triumphs", which finally consolidated the first success.

Career growth

In the 1950s, Nikolai Gedda, whose biography is the subject of this review, speaks at the leading European stages. He tours a lot, sings at the leading music festivals. By the same time, his performance in the Metropolitan Opera, which marked the beginning of his constant cooperation with this theater for twenty seasons, pertains to him. Then he met with the famous Russian vocalist P. Novikova, who took lessons. According to him, her experience was of great importance to him. The next success of the performer was the party in the opera "Manon". It was triumphant for the singer. On this stage he sang his most famous parties of both French and Italian composers.

Russian repertoire

An important place in his work was occupied by Russian music, both classical and folk. "Evening ringing" in his performance is one of the most exemplary solos in the world repertoire. His soft warm tenor perfectly matches the music and poems of this beautiful song. The singer especially appreciated the party of Lensky, which he brilliantly performed in the USSR. According to the soloist, he was attracted to this role by lyricism, combined with a deep dramatic image. He also brilliantly performed the main part in the opera The Queen of Spades in Russian. Here it should be noted that the singer was fluent in Russian. In general, he knew seven languages, which allowed him to sing with ease in a variety of repertoires.

Execution features

The work of the singer was joined by the traditions of three schools. Russian roots and excellent preparation under the guidance of Ustinov allowed him to easily perform songs and parts from the musical repertoire of the composers of our country. In the Soviet Union, his talent was appreciated. His performance of Tchaikovsky received rave reviews. He sang well and folk songs, for example, "Evening ringing." The second musical layer in his work is bel canto, which is the basis of opera performance.

The manner of singing in this style was perfect and impeccable, the musical line was unmistakable and uninterrupted, as many critics rightly pointed out. They called this ability a tenor advantage over other performers. Finally, the third layer is a magnificent dramatic school, allowing him to easily perform so-called "heavy" parties. Proof of recognition of his talent are numerous awards and titles. N. Gedda is the author of interesting memories in which he analyzed in detail his creative path and thoughtfully comprehended his career as an opera singer.