Two days ago I posted the the great trio from Verdi’s I Lombardi, Qual voluttà trascorrere, sung by Erwin Schott, Anna Netrebko, and Jonas Kaufmann. Listening to it caused me to revisit the recording of this number made exactly 100 years ago by Enrico Caruso with Frances Alda and Marcel Journet. Caruso interpolates two high notes near the end and likely had his head so far in the recording horn that he resembled a human endoscope. Nevertheless, the effect is thrilling and gives a glimpse of what his voice really sounded like. I’ve posted this recording before, but it’s so good that its worth an encore. Qual volutta trascorrere. No recording of the trio that I’m familiar with comes close to this one.
Neil Kurtzman
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The I Lombardi Trio
Written by Neil Kurtzman | 31st May 2012
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So beautiful I have tears. Mesmerizing music. And I’m not a Caruso fan, but the powerful sincerity is amazing.
Absolutely amazing. Nobody sings like this anymore.
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The aforementioned trio is the closest to being in heaven that I have yet to see! I first heard it about 40 years ago on a 78rpm disc. I was speechless. Every one who sang with Caruso sounded wonderful, yet listening to them sing alone on their recordings something is missing. Spread the word1 Everyone should not forget the Caruso sound and legacy.