– I always feel religious when I hear that girl sing. [Jussi Björling, colleague]
There is something about voices that make a very special imprint in the minds of the listener. Voices touch us immediately – we relate and interpret as a matter of course, whether it is to the voice of a speaker or a singer. In this respect we are all natural experts on the understanding and interpretation of voice, maybe one reason why audiences throughout music history react so ecstatically when they come across the voice.
It was the opera in Stockholm that ‘found’ her first. After a stunning 1948 debut in Oslo, a concert that had to be repeated – twice – because of the fantastic reception, Aase Nordmo Løvberg became a permanent member of the cast from 1954 until 1969. Together with such names as Jussi Björling, Birgit Nilsson and Nicolai Gedda she embodied the ‘golden age’ of the Stockholm opera.
She came from the distant Målselv in northern Norway. Her unique talent was discovered by a music-loving officer of the Norwegian army in 1940, urging her to get voice lessons. Fortunately for us, she took his advice. 10. June 2003 we celebrate the 80th birthday of Aase Nordmo Løvberg, presenting this CD with some of the finest performances from her entire career.
