Enrico Caruso - Ideale (Victor, December 30, 1906)

February 25, 2023 marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of the most important tenor in operatic history, Enrico Caruso (1873-1921). It seems that La Scala, Staatsoper Berlin, Wiener Staatsoper, the Metropolitan Opera…NONE of the major opera companies or classical media outlets could be bothered to pay tribute to this legendary artist. The only exception I know of is Michael Vaccaro’s Opera Classica Europa, which gave a celebratory concert in Bad Schwalbach, Hesse, Germany. Thankfully, this company has further events planned for the rest of this year.

To say that I am disappointed with the opera world’s apparent dismissal of Caruso as a relic of the past is an understatement. My spirit is buoyed, however, by the many words of praise and admiration for Caruso during Dead Tenors’ Society’s tribute during the month of February. I suppose that the least I can do is extend the tribute one more week. After all, if this were a leap year, today would be February 29…

This week, I’ll wrap up the 150th birthday tribute to Caruso by posting videos of recordings I failed to include on my previous tributes. On December 30, 1906, Caruso recorded Tosti’s “Ideale” for Victor Records in New York. It is a beautiful reading of this oft sung recital favorite. Yes, there’s that strange little flub from the woodwinds in the opening measures, but Caruso is flawless. His tone is limpid and lyrical, as if recalling a vision from afar. His desperation on the phrase, “Torna un istante a sorridermi ancora”, is palpable and the slightly muted high A at the end demonstrates the marvelous control Caruso had over his instrument.