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 emigré 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. 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 Nicolai Gedda still performs the occasional recital. He lives with his wife, Aino, in Sweden and Switzerland.