Enrico Caruso, Amelita Galli Curci, Flora Perini & Giuseppe de Luca - Rigoletto Quartet (1917)

This week, Dead Tenors’ Society concludes its two month retrospective of the recordings of Enrico Caruso (1873-1921). August focused on the solo recordings made by Caruso and, so far, September has been featuring the many wonderful duets recorded by Caruso with his illustrious colleagues. This week will concentrate on some of the magnificent ensembles recorded by the great tenor. Although I would love to showcase ALL the ensembles recorded by Caruso and company, I have only had the time and energy to focus on a few. Certainly, at some later date, we will get to many others. This week is dedicated to my personal favorites.
Caruso joins Amelita Galli Curci (1882-1963), Flora Perini (1887-1975) and Giuseppe de Luca (1876-1950) for an awe inspiring performance of the quartet “Bella figlia dell’ amore” from the final act of Verdi’s Rigoletto. Caruso, along with other assorted colleagues, had recorded this famous ensemble on three previous occasions…1907, 1908 and 1912…but I feel that this recording, from January 25, 1912, surpasses the rest. Caruso’s opening solo is an aria unto itself, capped with an interpolated (but perfectly executed) grupetto on the phrase “le mie pene consolar”. Galli Curci’s Gilda is heartbreakingly beautiful, her flutelike tones coming through quite well (even getting past Caruso, who seems to be getting the best of his colleagues here, sonically speaking). De Luca, one of the greatest Rigolettos in recorded history, is magnificent, making his character both stern and compassionate. Caruso, although well into middle age by this point, brings a remarkable brilliance to the Duke’s music. Yes, the voice is heavier than in his earlier readings of this piece, but he also displays a mature understanding of both the vocal line and the character. I feel I must also give kudos to Flora Perini, a superb Maddalena. The fact that she is easily able to hold her own among such a stellar cast is truly impressive. All in all, this is one of Caruso’s most satisfying ensemble performances on record.

[@bodiloto]

Tutti Meravigliosi 🤩. Addio bel passato per sempre addio ❤️

[@jjbrdn6492]

One of the best baryton of the century, one of the best soprano of the century and probably the best tenor never record ! Delicious !!!:)

[@gmmix]

Delightful! Thank you for this posting.

[@berellileonida4023]

Magnificaverson del cuarteto

[@Sokx41]

I have several one-sided 78 rpm Victorola records that I haven't been able to play for over 50 years without a 78 rpm phonograph player. Caruso, Galli-Gurci, Schumann-Heink, Marcel Journet, and others.