The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I just bought this Caruso record from forum member Doug (FellowCollector). While I don't record too many Caruso records because they are so widely available in digital format, I had to record this one. It is a very early copy of the record from the original stamper that is in wonderful condition. Very clear and easy to transfer. I hope some of you enjoy it as much as I do.


[youtubehd]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR5ytSqlQ2k[/youtubehd]
https://youtu.be/WR5ytSqlQ2k

IIRC, this 1906 session, first batch of records Caruso made with an 'orchestra.' Piano only before this. Those early Victors have a nice, forward sound.

Dan,
Thanks ever so much for sharing the recording here. It was a pleasure for me to know that the record was going to someone who would truly appreciate and care for it as I have for many years. Now I can listen to it again anytime as I never made a digital copy of it.

All the best,
Doug

melvind wrote:I just bought this Caruso record from forum member Doug (FellowCollector). While I don't record too many Caruso records because they are so widely available in digital format, I had to record this one. It is a very early copy of the record from the original stamper that is in wonderful condition. Very clear and easy to transfer. I hope some of you enjoy it as much as I do.


[youtubehd]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR5ytSqlQ2k[/youtubehd]
https://youtu.be/WR5ytSqlQ2k

20180527_071408 copy.png

20180527_071408.png

Ah, so it was YOU who snagged that... infidel!

By the time I had time to go through my GPs to be sure I didn't have it already it was 'sold'. Actually, if I had to see it go to someone else it would be to you or viva voce.

By the time I had time to go through my GPs to be sure I didn't have it already it was 'sold'. Actually, if I had to see it go to someone else it would be to you or viva voce. [/quote]

Aww thanks
My copy is not a Victor but a Gramophone pink label either G&T or pre-dog--can't remember which.

It amazes me how many posts there are on YouTube of this record at too high a speed---in C-major, or even higher than that lol.
Caruso transposed this aria down a semitone from C-major to B (In the same recording session he also transposed the aria from Boheme.)
There was an Lp released back in the 1950s/'60's with something like 20 different tenors singing this aria. Not only was Caruso's version sped up to play in C-major, but the first high "C" was edited and looped to make it appear he was holding the note for several seconds longer than originally recorded LMAO

Steven

76.00 rpm is the reported correct speed for this record.

If you have one of the dubbed versions, perhaps not. I have a few of the dubbed copies, but I've only played them most casually.

Wolfe wrote:76.00 rpm is the reported correct speed for this record.

If you have one of the dubbed versions, perhaps not. I have a few of the dubbed copies, but I've only played them most casually.

My pink G&T copy is POM. The dub was done in 1915 at the same speed as the original.

1915, right, I remember reading that somewhere.

So, perhaps there are some batwing label copies that are not dubs after all.

Wolfe wrote:1915, right, I remember reading that somewhere.

So, perhaps there are some batwing label copies that are not dubs after all.

Yes they would be batwing "Victor" not "Victrola." I had one of those years ago. The dubs are visually easily distinguished from the originals--they have the fractional S/8 symbol in the runoff area, and the width of the grooved area is larger.

Viva-voce wrote:...There was an Lp released back in the 1950s/'60's with something like 20 different tenors singing this aria. Not only was Caruso's version sped up to play in C-major, but the first high "C" was edited and looped to make it appear he was holding the note for several seconds longer than originally recorded LMAO

Steven

Let me guess: Everest?