Enrico Caruso JUNIOR - tenor 1938 -a great RARITY video free download
Enrico Caruso's son, ENRICO CARUSO JUNIOR (1904-1987), sings "Questa O Quella" from Verdi's Rigoletto.
NOTE #1: I just noticed the typo in the aria line on the placard. Should be "o" and not "of."
2nd NOTE: The sound on this clip leaves much to be desired, but it's the best version that that I was able to find. It's from a 50+-year-old 78rpm acetate.
3rd NOTE: Enrico, Jr. knew fully well that he did not possess his father's voice, so it would be unfair to draw comparisons between the two--even though the natural inclination is to do so!
The great Caruso (1873-1921) sired 4 sons, 2 died in infancy and 2 lived to maturity--Rodolfo, born in 1898, and Enrico Caruso, Jr., born 1904.
Caruso, the elder, had a 10-year affair with operatic soprano Ada Giachetti, who abandoned the great tenor and his two sons in 1908.
The lads were denied few material advantages and were among his legal heirs.
When Caruso married in 1918, Enrico, Jr. came to live with his new family in the U.S. and attended Culver Military Academy.
After his father's death in 1921, he took voice lessons in L.A. with the possible goal of a career in opera, but eventually he discontinued study.
He moved to Hollywood where he starred in two Spanish-language films, "The Fortune Teller" in 1934...and "The Singer of Naples" in 1935.
In his latter days, Enrico, Jr. concentrated on writing a comprehensive biography of his famous father, which he completed shortly before his death.
Enrico Caruso, Junior died in Jacksonville, Fla., after suffering a heart attack--on Apr. 11, 1987.
Comments
8 years ago
Terry McKean
Excellent!10 years ago
VegMedley
If I could sing as well as E.C., Jr., my life would be complete!10 years ago
begs54
Jr. sounds pretty good. Not to his dad's standards, but could any of his children? That's a hard act to follow. His voice is clear, warm and mellow. A very happy voice, and as I said not bad. An interesting find...!! Thank you.11 years ago
EmilyGreene1984
I don't think his voice is mediocre.12 years ago
redgrapeskins
yes ... the sound here reminds me of Schipa;with a little more abandon, like his father.12 years ago
Manxypop
I think his mistake was emulating his father, when in actuality his voice appears much darker, and quite beautiful in its own right. Perhaps another teacher than the great Caruso might have recognized this. I tbelieve he sold himself short by doing this, but he obviously enjoyed singing in this way, and how could he gainsay his legendary father?12 years ago
Joseph Donnantuoni
and.. it does prove that yes Caruso did attempt with loads of time to teach 'his son" who knows what the intention was. I'm sure jr. did it to the extent he enjoyed and the Dad saw that. Time was put in, daily for years at home. Nobody knows what Caruso did with all of his other hours.12 years ago
papoocanada
Papa Caruso was not so hot anyway, its all legend.13 years ago
Tom Frøkjær
Thanks, George, for uploading this great historic performance. Of course he cannot match his father as far as empathy or voice power is concerned, but his voice is very nice.13 years ago
cesrra
Great jewel! Very beautiful voice... Not many are lucky enough to inherent their fathers voice... To bad he did not try tp make it! Thanks again, is great13 years ago
GermanOperaSinger
He has Enrico Sr.'s mannerisms and phrasing, but not daddy's great voice or phenomenal vocal placement. The voice itself is actually really mediocre. He could sing on pitch though, and not everyone can do that!14 years ago
Maria Sarda
Prometteur !14 years ago
lpvcrcd
thanks for this .. hell -quality of these rare finds are never what you would like but this fine . he sings with his dad's phrasing and mannerisms and stays right on pitch Obviiously he falls into the camp of a Secretariat's offspring. How can a son or daughter duplicate the achievement of an immortal parent! But the quality of the tone I heard was very nice Thanks again!!! A++15 years ago
Joseph Donnantuoni
Yes he sang with the ability and talent that was with huge insight to his Dad. Can't say that for many produced tenors of Today.15 years ago
gmmix
What a splendid commentary you've provided. I couldn't agree more with all that you've said. Thank you for taking the time to voice your well-considered opinion. GMMIX15 years ago
Robert Wright
(after reading the sidebar) Ok, I misspoke, maybe he did consider it at some point, but had the self-awareness to know grand opera wasn't realistic for him. I still say this recording is a man singing a song the reminds him of his father and that's it.15 years ago
Robert Wright
Frankly, I think this is wonderful. Jr. never intended in any way, on any level, to attempt grand opera. It's a man singing a song that reminds him of his dear papa, and singing it wonderfully,nothing more and nothing less. And the flourishes near the end (1:44 to 1:48) are stunning by anyone's standards.15 years ago
Joseph Donnantuoni
I agree so much. Who ever says this isn't special must have cabage in the ears. Or as my Dad who was taught by Enrico Rosati would say, 'if you don't think that was something special you must be a blockhead'15 years ago
Steve Van Dien
Based on this recording, EC jr. was a competent tenor. But not at the same level as EC Senior by any means -- what the elder Caruso had was unique --15 years ago
LordMgls
This is a rarity, but his voice was nothing special.Related Videos
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