This collection, excellently mastered by Ward Marston, presents the mature Caruso, recorded 1916-17. The voice had broadened by 1916 but had lost none of its “ping” on high notes, and the sheer naturalness of production and stunning delivery remain unique. Alternate, unpublished sides are included here: it’s nice to hear Caruso singing really softly in an alternate take of the start of the Rigoletto Quartet, and it’s fascinating to hear the difference in the attacks of the ultimate B-flat in “L’alba separa…”–the unpublished version contains an exciting spinto snap going up to it, while the chosen version is simply spotless (the first is more exciting). He sings the Pearl Fishers aria in French here, transposed down a half-tone, and while hardly sung piano, it is lovely; and Lensky’s aria, taken fast (and in French), is a nice rarity. Caruso’s own composition, “Tiempo antico”, is period-piece sappy. What else is there to say? It’s still a voice that continues to surprise and enchant; its excitement is visceral. This is a wonderful collection, and at 77 minutes, a very generous one. [1/24/2004]
