Enrico Caruso

Enrico Caruso was an Italian operatic tenor who is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential singers in the history of opera and his remarkable voice and charismatic stage presence made him a sensation in his time.

### Biography

Enrico Caruso was born on February 25, 1873, in Naples, Italy, to a poor working-class family. His father was a mechanic and his mother a washerwoman. Caruso displayed an early interest and talent for singing, and his parents recognized his musical potential. At the age of 11, he was enrolled in the technical school for mechanical engineering, but his passion for singing eventually led him down a different path.

Caruso received his first formal singing lessons from Guglielmo Vergine, who recognized the young boy's vocal gifts. He continued to study under various teachers, honing his technique and expanding his repertoire. In 1895, at the age of 22, Caruso made his professional opera debut in a minor role at the Teatro Nuovo in Naples.

His breakthrough came in 1897 when he was invited to sing at the Teatro Regio in Parma, where he portrayed the role of Loris in Umberto Giordano's opera "Fedora." This performance garnered him attention and praise, leading to further engagements in Italy and other European cities.

In 1900, Caruso made his debut at the legendary La Scala opera house in Milan, where he appeared as Rodolfo in Puccini's "La Bohème." His portrayal was met with acclaim, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the opera world.

However, Caruso's international fame truly skyrocketed after his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City on November 23, 1903. He sang the role of the Duke of Mantua in Verdi's "Rigoletto," and his powerful and expressive voice captivated the audience and critics alike. Caruso became a sensation in the United States, and his association with the Met would continue for the rest of his career.

### Career

Enrico Caruso's career was marked by his exceptional vocal range, power, and emotional depth. He was known for his ability to convey intense emotions through his singing, as well as his exquisite phrasing and beautiful tone.

He sang a wide repertoire, excelling in both dramatic and lyric roles. Some of his most famous roles included Rodolfo in Puccini's "La Bohème," the title role in Verdi's "Otello," and Canio in Leoncavallo's "Pagliacci."

Caruso was also one of the earliest opera singers to make commercial recordings, making him one of the first major artists to embrace recording technology. His recordings introduced his voice to a global audience and played a crucial role in popularizing opera and classical music.

Enrico Caruso recorded a substantial number of records during his lifetime, contributing significantly to the early recording industry, it's estimated that he made around 290 commercially released recordings.

Caruso's recordings were primarily released on shellac discs, which were the dominant format for commercial recordings in the early 20th century. These discs were made of a brittle material and were quite different from the vinyl records that became popular later on.

While specific sales figures for Caruso's recordings are not readily available, it is widely recognized that his recordings were incredibly popular and sold in significant numbers for the time. His recordings helped establish the commercial viability of the recording industry and contributed to the global dissemination of his performances.

### **Concerts**

Enrico Caruso performed concerts and opera productions in various locations around the world throughout his career. Some of the notable venues and places where he performed include:

1.    Metropolitan Opera, New York City: Caruso had a long and successful association with the Metropolitan Opera (the Met) in New York. He made his Met debut in 1903 as the Duke of Mantua in Verdi's "Rigoletto" and continued to perform there regularly in a wide range of roles.

2.    Covent Garden, London: Caruso performed at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, London, multiple times. His appearances there were highly anticipated and well-received by audiences.

3.    La Scala, Milan: He performed at the renowned La Scala opera house in Milan, Italy. La Scala is one of the most prestigious opera venues in the world, and Caruso's performances there added to his international reputation.

4.    Teatro San Carlo, Naples: Being his hometown, Naples held a special place in Caruso's career. He frequently performed at the Teatro San Carlo, a significant opera house in Italy.

5.    Teatro Colón, Buenos Aires: Caruso was known for touring and performing in South America. The Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was one of the venues where he showcased his talents to enthusiastic audiences.

6.    Paris Opera: Caruso also performed at the Paris Opera, another iconic opera house with a rich history of renowned singers and performances.

7.    Various American and European cities: Caruso's touring schedule took him to numerous cities across North America and Europe, where he performed in opera productions and concerts. He became an international sensation, and people from different countries flocked to see him perform.

Caruso's extensive touring and performances in these and many other venues contributed to his widespread fame and reputation as one of the greatest tenors of his time. His ability to captivate audiences with his voice and stage presence made his performances highly sought after and memorable.

Unfortunately, Caruso's health began to decline in the later years of his career. He developed respiratory issues, and in 1920, during a performance at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, he suffered a throat hemorrhage. Despite his declining health, he continued to perform, but his last public appearance was in a performance of "La Juive" at the Met on December 11, 1920.

### **Death**

Enrico Caruso passed away on August 2, 1921, at the age of 48, in Naples, Italy, due to complications from pleurisy and peritonitis. His death marked the end of an era in opera and left an enduring legacy. Caruso's recordings continue to be treasured by music lovers, and his influence on the world of opera and vocal performance remains profound.

### **Legacy**

Enrico Caruso's legacy is immense. He set a standard for operatic singing that many subsequent tenors have aspired to emulate. His recordings continue to be revered, and his interpretations of various arias and songs are considered definitive by many. Caruso's influence extended beyond the world of opera, as he played a role in popularizing classical music and opera among a broader audience.

His life was the subject of a highly fictionalized Hollywood motion picture, The Great Caruso, in 1951