Caruso Disc

Enrico Caruso (1873-1921)

RIGOLETTO: Bella figlia dell'amore (Verdi).
Tenor solo only, by Enrico Caruso; probably recorded 25 January 1917.

On the 100th anniversary of the birth of Enrico Caruso, Honorary Curator William R. Moran produced a recording of the century's most celebrated tenor for the benefit of the Archive. The record is of unusual interest from several aspects. Until that time it had never been listed in any of the Caruso discographies, nor could any trace of it be found in the Victor Talking Machine Company's recording books.

The inscription on the label in the tenor's handwriting ("To Caruso by Enrico") suggests that the record was made at the singer's request as a personal lark. The original bears no numbers or matrix markings but was obviously intended as a complete and finished recording of only the tenor solo portion of the famous Quartet. It is a single-faced 10-inch pressing with a terminal safety groove of the type used in 1917. The fact that at least part of the cast for the Quartet was present in the studio (the contralto's first phrase is heard in the very last groove) suggests that the recording was taken at a rehearsal for a complete recording. [from the notes by W.R. Moran accompanying the recording]

Both recordings were previously unpublished but have since appeared on CD compilations of the respective singers. A seven-page accompanying pamphlet documents in detail the history of both recordings.

The cost is $6.00, U.S. funds. California residents should add 50 cents for sales tax. Shipping and handling is $3.00 ($4.50 for overseas). Please make checks payable to Stanford University Libraries, and allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

Mail your order with payment to: Archive of Recorded Sound Braun Music Center Stanford, CA 94305-3076