La fleur que tu m'avis jetée in original French and in Italian (Il fior che avevi a me) - The Flower Song. Both recorded on the 7th of Nov. 1909. I had not uploaded the Italian version before.
How extraordinary to compare two versions of the same aria in two languages on the same day. And they are different. The French is tighter, more precise. more controlled with less portamento and slancio. The Italian is more passionate, freer in expression, less pedantic. An extraordinary achievement
Having got a copy of this 1907 Recording Reissued under licence by His Master's Voice in the Golden Treasury of Immortal Performances in 1956,the LP is Called the Art of Caruso Volume two Record Number CSLP-511 and it was such a shame that Caruso died so young in 1921
While both renditions are superb, actually prefer the much later electrical, in Italian, with added orchestra, which IMHO, unlike many of the other recordings done this way, actually works. Many thanks Tom for posting, and to Nate for sharing.
Caruso's french is much better,than mine,i do speak a little Italian,and some spanish,and Greek,I am 3/4 Greek,and 1/4 Italian.But i suspect something else.What I do not know.
The aria is very difficult compared to others because it requires a lot of versatility. It expresses emotions that range from joy to crying.. Also represents the emotions of a sentimental loving and sensitive man that contrasts with the toughness of the soldier. It is good to compare the greats. Caruso is tops but I like Pavarotti also. I believe most others rank below them in this aria but I am no expert.
+Daniel, other tops are del Monaco and Franco Corelli among Italians. I do not understand how could you mention here Pavarotti with his canary bird sound of voice?
