Händel: Ombra mai fu; Caruso 1920

Recorced 21. Jan. 1920 - less than a year before his last performance at the MET and subsequent death. I have uploaded this before, but it was played too fast.
"Ombra mai fu" is the opening aria from the 1738 opera Serse or Xerxes by G.F. Händel. Originally composed to be sung by a soprano castrato ..... !
LYRICS
Frondi tenere e belle
del mio platano amato
per voi risplenda il fato.
Tuoni, lampi, e procelle
non v'oltraggino mai la cara pace,
nè giunga a profanarvi austro rapace.
Ombra mai fu
di vegetabile,
cara ed amabile,
soave più.
ENGLISH
Tender and beautiful fronds
of my beloved plane tree,
let Fate smile upon you.
May thunder, lightning, and storms
never bother your dear peace,
nor may you by blowing winds be profaned.
A shade there never was,
of any plant,
dearer and more lovely,
or more sweet.

[@jbut1208]

There will only ever be one Caruso! He makes all others sound second rate! Stunning!

[@justinodiaz6501]

…Total Vocal Perfection + and to boot, a trill that is flawless: very ,very rare.

[@ronaldmessina4229]

Señor mío yo estoy completamente de acuerdo con Ud❤

[@renatogiusti5664]

A 100 anni dalla scomparsa del Grande Caruso .E tutti i grandissimi tenori,che l’Anno Succeduto,per me rimane il più grande di tutti i tempi

[@caninbar]

This is vocal perfection! The legendary Caruso! A vocal miracle!

[@johnblasiak607]

Unmatched beauty of voice and tone. Middle voice for tenor the real test. Handel got it right with this masterpiece.

[@hexelohreley]

perché questa registrazione fa venire i brividi? Perché è UMANA. E' piena di carica affettiva, è vera, è calda, come se lui fosse nella stanza davanti a noi.

[@markmcdonald8646]

Best singer and best aria. Makes you happy to be alive.

[@chastenor]

One of the very greatest recordings ever made. Totally extraordinary

[@mussmarYT]

We are so accustomed to modern technologies and their almost limitless possibilities that we often do not consider real miracles. Incredible! This was recorded over 100 years ago. What a blessing that we can now hear this magnificent voice playing this great music. Thank you so much for the given opportunity , dear Tom

[@tomfroekjaer]

How true!

[@georginankansah5091]

Inconceivable that anyone could sing this better

[@nickgola]

Le note che viaggiano sul fiato, tutte unite, ma davvero tutte.

[@Gazar.vu9lt]

The wonderful incomparable tenor Caruso was a teacher for many singers. God kissed him! Bravo! Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy Caruso's voice!❤❤❤❤❤

[@saltburner2]

His declamatory singing is great - one never hears it sung this way now - but some of his swoops, no doubt acceptable at the time, now sound rather old-fashioned. Caruso's was essentially a lyric voice (he was still singing Nemorino in his last Met season), but one of enormous power. He was, and remains, unique.

[@georginankansah5091]

Time and time again we are told that we only hear 50% of Caruso's voice on records, but this sounds as clear as a bell

[@martincook318]

Georgina if you have got a turn table then I suggest that you buy all the Records that were issued in that Serious:they are Rare but not Expensive and all the Recordings are all straight Transfers from 78rpm to tape and from tape to Vinyl

[@margaretjiantonio939]

50% Caruso is better than 100% of today's singers.

[@charliegold3227]

agreed

[@chessiepique9532]

An aria about a tree! Thank you for posting this with lyrics and translation -- much appreciated.

[@antoniopavan5169]

Voce , inimitabile , ancora oggi ....

[@rakellcolotta3675]

I love his trill and everything about this recording.

[@marcelobrunorodrigues7630]

I have some original recordings he did, including one from 1907: always the best. This work reminds me of my childhood: it's my all-time favorite ones.

[@photo161]

...the sound is simply remarkably vivid and life-like...

[@rosemaryallen2128]

I have compared many interpretations of this aria, but this voice makes the tears run down my face. Thank you.

[@saltburner2]

Three versions - all very different - impress me most: Caruso, Schipa and Tauber,

[@nikname1672]

​@@saltburner2У Джильи также прекрасная запись, но Карузо, это просто ОРГАН, нет ему равных и не будет!

[@luigiarenna9946]

Bellissima incisione, è un piacere l'ascolto.

[@philippelavernhe8357]

When I listen to Caruso, tears come to my eyes !

[@jfs78]

You can hear the fullness of these later recordings that were recorded in Victor's Camden church recording lab.

[@graziellacampanini1969]

Cette voix sublime est identifiable parmi toutes. Une interprétation magnifique de cet aria par Caruso est un moment rare intensité.

[@marioalvesdeoliveira4509]

Agora entendo porque Caruso mantém a fama de o maior de todos os tempos. Ninguém põe tanta emoção no que canta. Pelo menos em "Ombra mai fu".

[@ariasemusicaslegendadas7657]

Amor ti vieta ele também coloca bastante emoção

[@rosaponselleart]

what a clear recording! nothing to do :-)

[@gemmadestate3216]

E mi ritrovo avvolta nei velluti morbidi e sonori della sua voce e in quest'aria meravigliosa...

[@ronaldmessina4229]

Fenomenal,Fenomenal ❤😊

[@YORKIEYORKYORK]

Lovely - Timing spot on . Lingering . I cry xx

[@tomfroekjaer]

Yes, the recording is well restored (RCA).

[@user-yi4op6dr7z]

Come Caruso mai più ne nascono ascoltatelo bene mille volte e ancora di più

[@katarina1416]

Frondi tenere e belle del mio platano amato per voi risplenda il fato. Tuoni, lampi, e procelle non v'oltraggino mai la cara pace, né giunga a profanarvi austro rapace. Ombra mai fu di vegetabile, cara ed amabile, soave più. Tender and beautiful fronds of my beloved plane tree, let Fate smile upon you. May thunder, lightning, and storms never disturb your dear peace, nor may you by blowing winds be profaned. Never was a shade of any plant dearer and more lovely, or more sweet.

[@user-xg7ru8ps9g]

Fantastico !!! voce d'angelico ~

[@carmenalvarez546]

Eo

[@user-xg7ru8ps9g]

Auguri Buon anno !!!

[@moanteq6724]

I don't know what's he saying but I love his voice.

[@albanvic]

Incredible....Yes I know it has been remastered but there will NEVER be another Caruso

[@hostlangr]

An der *Tonquelle - z.B. Gesang, Violine, Orgel etc.* sind unter anderem die Obertöne maßgeblich mit-verantwortlich für die Qualität des Gesamterlebnisses. Je weiter entfernt ein Zuhörer, umso mehr lässt die Signalintensität nach - bei *hohen* Frequenzen *schneller* als tiefere... Für ältere Aufzeichnungen bereits relevant beim Input in alle im Raum postierten Mikrofone. Dem wird mit neuester Aufnahmetechnik natürlich Rechnung getragen. Bei früheren Produktionen wirkt hier eine Crescendo-Verstärkung der in einer Aufnahme geschwächt, aber *original* enthaltenen höchsten Frequenzen der Aufzeichnung >>3 kHz diesem Hochtondefizit etwas entgegen. - Hören Sie selbst.

[@hostlangr]

Wie die Restauration immer besser wurde, ist auch ihre *Wiedergabe* zu pflegen: Die Übertragungs-Kette ist so stark wie ihr schwächstes Glied! EQUALIZER Variante (update Einstellung!) *©2024* HL, Germany. *-* 0,4 dB (60Hz) -12,9 dB (230Hz) -15,0 dB (910Hz) -15,0 dB (4kHz) +15,0 dB (14kHz) Der Eintrag wird ergänzt, weil's viele unterschiedliche EQ gibt. Er bezieht sich hier auf eine *'Bass Booster App' (apk) - ohne* Zuschalten des BASS BOOST. Die meisten bedienen ja an ihrem Gerät/Handy Bluetooth richtig: Bitte Audio-Output Stereo, 'Advanced settings' überprüfen, *'Compatibility* Mode' der App 🎧 und evtl 'Sound Field FLAT' Ihrer Anlage (den BBoost nicht - oder vorsichtig verwenden). Auf *Artikulation* und Instrumente achten, dann wird der Effekt deutlich: einige denken, das sei weniger wichtig; - es *ist* wichtig! "Ohr des Dionysios" - nur Aufnahmehorn - ohne Mikro. Ziemlich beeindruckend. Der "Samt" in Enricos Stimme ist nun da. Die Qualität nähert sich dem Original. Modulation mit 'Bass Booster App': Der Klangcharakter der Stimmen wird dadurch nicht geändert. Weil jedoch die mMn. *kaum hörbaren* Obertonanteile >>2kHz crescendo-verstärkt werden, gewinnt die neue Wiedergabe relevant Brillanz (selbst die Akustik wirkt echt) und *Text* ist gut *verständlich.* Eine 'Zeitreise..'

[@martincook318]

This Recording was first Reissued in 1956 in The art of Caruso Volume Three under licence by His Master's Voice Record Number CSLP-512 and the Reason why all the Caruso Records sound so clear is because they are all straight Transfers from 78rpm to tape and from tape to Vinyl:and even the Record label has been Copied and made to look like an old 78rpm Record and its to do with the Engineers who knew what they were doing

[@donallally4892]

Pity we didn't heard him on more modern and better quality records to hear truly at his best

[@michaelsinelnikoff595]

You have a genius for the obvious..

[@richardcleaver5440]

Not what we'd consider baroque styling today--his interpretation is rather veristic in fact--but notice the very neatly, effortlessly executed trill midway! Hardly something expected from Caruso, and in fact even Rossini tenors of his day were a bit cavalier with their fioriture. Nice messa di voce at the beginning too, also something unexpected.

[@rupert5390]

You’re being a wanker listen to the music

[@jfs78]

The Victor Company bought a church and turned it into a recording studio. Many of Caruso's later recordings were made there. The size and acoustics of the building allowed for a larger orchestra, although still very limited. But the quality of the properties of the church are evident on some of the recordings. You will even hear echos in some of them. You can hear Caruso's voice ring around the church in the La Juive recording. Also you can hear the quality on this record from Jan 1920.

[@stevecasucci8431]

Jack Stanley one of the most clear sounding recording

[@shirleyrombough8173]

No wonder he is called The Great Caruso. This voice is incomparable. How grateful I am for these videos. Thanks to those responsible.

[@cobaltblau8373]

"La partida" is another great performance which was recorded there.

[@hostlangr]

@@stevecasucci8431,👍 6QWWGJw3_lk

[@moanteq6724]

Hayatımda o kadar klasik müzik, müzik dinledim fakat bu kadar güzeline daha önce hiç rastlamadım. Opera'dan anlayan biri değilim hatta bu alanda yeniyim fakat her dinleyişimde bir kez daha "oha" diyorum içimden. Keşke günümüzde de böyle güzel eserler olsa.

[@nicco47]

Thank you again Tom...

[@marie-jeannevallecalle9991]

Enrico Caruso merci ❤️🌹

[@solegutierrez656]

Muchas Gracias.

[@KeithRichardsMoon71]

i wish there was stuff like this were i come from

[@tomfroekjaer]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@operalover3966]

This sound is very very good

[@riton1942]

Exceptionnel

[@tomfroekjaer]

Thanks, Jack. Amazing what you know about Caruso. I had no inkling !

[@bluesfai]

The trill!!!

[@yaelpalombo4093]

❤❤!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@sylviallera5450]

Gracias Caruso

[@rosebrown6128]

❤❤❤

[@tomfroekjaer]

Most welcome!

[@chastenor]

This seems very clear, but we are told time and time again that the recordings of Caruso lack his wonderful overtones (velvet, sweet, caressing) according to his son and colleagues such as Martinelli and Ponselle. Are we missing something here?

[@tomfroekjaer]

This is a late recording where the technique had improved considerably compared to his early recordings from 1902. Nonetheless probably still a lot wanting.

[@Masimba]

This is indeed very clear, it sounds like a close mic recording so we get a good picture of his voice. From my study of sound engineering I know that in opera you try to record the sound of the room/theatre from far which gives the singers voice more space to travel and beautiful squillo interacting with the room acoustics. I suspect that’s what we’re missing here. But to be fair no recording even modern stereo can match hearing a singer in house

[@hostlangr]

@@Masimba, 👍👍👏👏👏

[@mariamodafferi6383]

Unicò

[@kensmith2282]

Of course he is the greatest.

[@andreabocelli56]

Like♡

[@stevecasucci8431]

I wonder if there's anyone still alive that heard Caruso's true voice!? If anyone can let me know of a recorded video of someone who heard his voice please let me know!!

[@user-hp6le7ov5c]

역사적인 목소리~ 엔리코 카르소가 최소한 LP시대에 전성기를 맞이 했다면 참으로 그의 아름다운 성악곡을 실감나는 녹음으로 남겼을 텐데 그것이 참으로 안타깝씁니다~

[@francisraluytomas6954]

Capisco perché Caruso non poteva vedere Tito Schipa.

[@user-zp5rc1sl3n]

Очень трудно осознать даже с точки зрения инструментальности данное исполнение, по сложности выстроенной конструкции, не говоря о лиричности исполнительской манеры

[@user-zp5rc1sl3n]

И в финале оставляет в душе очень глубокое ощущение! Брависсимо Маэстро!!!

[@user-zp5rc1sl3n]

Маэстро не кичится, не бравирует, не стремится кому то, что то доказать, а ведёт свою линию видения незамысловатой арии и превращает её в истинный шедевр музыкального искусства!!! Спасибо, браво!!!

[@hostlangr]

@@user-zp5rc1sl3n, *sehr schön ausgedrückt!* 👍

[@user-qb4fs9gs1p]

☆☆☆☆☆☆ СПАСИБО......👵🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺

[@mario108mafoi4]

Sicuramente è il più grande baritono-tenore di tutti tempi. Mentre ad esempio Gigli o Pavarotti sono semplici tenori

[@geniusoperaxdmaster5939]

Mentira

[@user-qu5bi6qe2i]

전설적인.신화적인 테너로 추앙받고 있지요... 유시비오링도 비슷한( 상방~후방가창) 창법으로... 전형적인 벨칸토는 디 스테파노 우리나라는 팽제유 가 최고 였다고 봅니다....혹 팽제유 선생님것 있으시면 올려주세요... 멜로키창법 완성자는 전방가창 역시 황금의 목소리.델 모나코. 코렐리와 대부분은 (전방~ 상방)

[@joseforero8265]

Hola. Gustos todos respetables. Beníamino Gigli fue declarado en 2009 como el mejor tenor del siglo XX. Saludo.

[@elsalohengrin7777]

Händel ist hier Puccinisiert worden. Auch nicht schlecht :-)

[@tomfroekjaer]

🤗