Enrico Caruso
Enrico Caruso (1873-1921), Italian operatic tenor, one of the earliest recording artists. After successes in Italy and Russia he made his London debut in 1902 at Covent Garden in Rigoletto. In 1903 he became leading artist at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York. A small chubby man with a flashing smile, he was known as the ‘Man with the Orchid-lined Voice’.
“The beaming smile, lit by flashing white teeth, radiated an urchin exuberance and joie de vivre. Only Caruso would dare to go before the Metropolitan curtain, pat his stomach and implore the audience to go home “because I’m so hungry and want my supper”. Stanley Johnson, Caruso”
