Nicolai Gedda: My Life and Art (Opera Biography)
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