Enrico Caruso - Vesti la Giubba

Another request. Caruso singing Vesti la Giubba from Leoncavallo's Pagliacci for Victor in 1907. I'm somewhat hesitant to post such early records because I know that the speed is incorrect. For another Caruso I posted, the correct speed is 71 not 78. In some cases I can research the correct speed but its too much work. The correct speeds for Caruso records are fairly well documented but not others.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Caruso
• Victor
• Orthophonic

[AulicExclusiva]

Always amazing.

The equalisation on the Orthophonic Victrola is so different. There's more bass on the voice spectrum itself. The voice sounds so vibrant and true.

Great transfer.

[merrihew]

Its due to the length of the folded horn (6') and the improved compliance of the aluminum reproducer diaphragm. Its quite thin and pleated around the edges to permit a wider range of movement.

[GermanOperaSinger]

They didn't make singers like this before he came either.

[GermanOperaSinger]

Not only the best Canio, the best everything. I used to think there was no way to tell if he was good just by listening to the poor recordings. The more I listened, the more I realize that even in these awful recordings, the voice can be heard, and it is unmatched by any other. It was lyrical, spinto, dramatic, tenor, baritone, everything combined into one single instrument.

[dallking]

This might be the first time I didn't see records as holding the same value as fixed gear bikes: none. Thanks for taking the time to post this for everyone.

[nothadnotbad]

i wonder what a modern record sounds like on that thing

[tcalcantara1]

fodastico!!!!!

[belladeballe]

Fantastic. Thanks for posting despite the tech issues. Did you know this song was the first song ever to sell a million copies? I discovered this courtesy of a study guide about Pagliacci that can be found online on the Portland Opera website.

[BJustinBrasfield]

the best i've heard

[jd1906sf]

When I listen to Del Monaco, and Bjorling, Pavarottie and DiStefao, I'm always tempted to yell "the best" at some of their miraculous recordings. Then I return to Caruso, and to this recording in particular. The voice, the artistry, the emotion, the diction...absolute perfection. Enrico will always be the measuring stick, and this aria the emotional core of great operatic singing. Remarkable.

[BrooklynMouseReturns]

This is the real original 1907 recording on the Victor's Victrola label. It was re-recorded in 1931 on the Victor "Red Seal" label under "Orthophonic Recording" and later released on the compilation album "RCA Victor's 60 Years of Music America Loves Best".

[morthrop]

Listen to the beautiful crackles and pops on that thing and to that incredible voice. You're very fortunate and lucky to have that. It's gold!