Enrico Caruso as Bass in La Bohéme: Vecchia zimarra

[31operafan]

Yes, I remember that story, and it also amazed me. :) C Caruso had a reason not to release it to the public: he once said it would not be fair to other basses. That's very considerate of him. :)

[aaronsande]

What I find most amazing about this, since the aria's range is not too low for a dramatic tenor like Caruso, is that he knew the aria well enough to pull it off so successfully that no one noticed! Think about that: I wonder how much of each opera Caruso had memorized? Was this a fortunate situation, or could he have done this in other instances?

[tomfroekjaer]

@aaronsande: @aaronsande: don't know if this was general (that Caruso knew the whole opera by heart), but I rather think not. It seems that Caruso jokingly (but maybe not) had said earlier in the day that he would help De Segurola out if he couldn't sing (being aware of his thoat infection). So maybe/possibly - or not, don't know - privately rehearsed the "Coat song."

[aaronsande]

@tomfroekjaer Ah! If that is the case, I reduce him back to the status of "minor deity" =D

[Aetion]

How interesting!

Thanks Tom.



[mozartibnkhajjam]

very interesting story, never heard about it befor - and the interpretation of Caruso is fantastic. thanks a lot.

M.

[LordMgls]

WOW! I had long been wondering why he had recorded this aria, since it is to be sung by a bass! What a situation! Thanks for sharing this story with us :-)

[tomfroekjaer]

@LordMgls: very welcome ! Did you hear the story of Frances Alda in the link? Great stuff !

[LordMgls]

@tomfroekjaer Of course, my friend! I couldn't miss to witness such an interesting document! I think I am going to blog this.