Bizet: Mi par d'udir ancor (1904) Caruso

Georges Bizet
The Pearl Fishers
Mi par d'udir ancora
(sung in Italian)

Enrico Caruso, tenor
Ruggero Leoncavallo, pianist

Recorded April 8, 1904

The role Caruso played in recording history was largely due to the fact that he was a very distinguished and popular artist at just the right time in the development of the industry. In 1897 the phonograph was the hot consumer item, by 1900 most homes had a machine. Naturally, those who had a financial interest in records went to court to sort it all out. By 1904 the new industry was taking shape: the Gramophone Company held its international patents, and the newly-formed Victor Talking Machine Company would become a force in America. But the best thing that happened was in the end of 1903 when the Bell and Gramophone engineers finally gained access to each other's experience, and set about establishing new industry standards. The first Victor session with Caruso saw those standards put into practice for the first time, and the results changed everything.

Acoustic Balanced recording became the rule for the entire audio industry. Even 120 years later, these recordings come back with the sound intact because of it. What this new standard amounted to was a technology where the recorded track is a near perfect match of the original room acoustics. This means that what we hear today is the same as what was heard over a century ago.

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[goodluall]

The first time I listened this song I was 18, 50 years ago. I was with my boyfriend who is my husband now. I didnt understand a word but it made me cry.

[gunterdanner]

Most wonderful documentation of one of this world‘s greatest tenors. Thank you for posting! Caruso was outstanding.

[trisolvia.]

I had no idea what the lyrics meant, I've never been in love, yet listening to this song was enough to make me cry

[PippaAT]

The absolute privilege of listening to his immortal voice. Incredible.

[tonyobrien]

The art that conceals art: no voice and singing style can surpass this. From the depths of his heart and the highest heaven at the same time. As Tosi the singing teacher said: "Confess it beloved singers how great a master is the heart!"

[ghbook]

Absolutely fantastic sound with freshness and dynamics. Thanks for posting.

[joseguerra]

I cant stop listwn to this beautiful master piece

[PippaAT]

I am currently reading his biography by his wife, Dorothy. Goodness, they loved one another so very much, but were granted only three years before his tragic death.

[dbell]

You know, this is a really good song.

[thinice]

Mi par d'udire ancora
O scosa in mezzo ai fior
La voce sua talora
Sospirare l'amor.

O notte di carezze
Gioir che non ha fin
O sovvenir divin
Folli ebbrezze del sogno, sogno d'amor

Dalle stelle del cielo
Altro menar che da lei
La vegg'io d'ogni velo
Prender li per le ser

O notte di carezze
Gioir che non ha fin
O sovvenir divin
Folli ebbrezze del sogno, sogno d'amor
Divin sovvenir
Divin sovvenir

[daves]

The only disappointing thing about this is when it finishes my ears were poisoned by that stupid temu add music. After such a master piece I was reminded of the times in which I live now where the music mostly sucks 😮‍💨