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Rating: 
Summary: The truth....even if it hurts
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing book by and about a great artist
Review: I wish I could be enthusiastic about this book. Nicolai Gedda is truly one of the greatest singers of the century. But in this memoir he comes off as petulant and unpleasant. He spends too much time dwelling on past trangressions, inconveniences and problems and not enough on his career and the music. I welcome his honesty about his family background, but am disturbed at the way his parents are portrayed. Unfortunately the book is not redeemed by either the writing style nor the fragmented nature of the narrative. Better than some recent singer biographies (Sutherland et. al.) but still disappointing. This is a side of Gedda I wish I didn't know.
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing book by and about a great artist
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: A fine biography of the great Swedish Tenor
Review: 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.
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