The Great Caruso

by Michael Scott

Excellent Book

Hardcover

First published December 15, 1989

About the author

Michael Scott was the founder of the London Opera Society. In his role as the society's sole artistic director, he brought to London Marilyn Horne, Joan Sutherland, and Boris Christoff. He was also responsible for introducing Sherrill Milnes, Ruggero Raimondi, and Montserrat Caballé. He was a highly regarded expert in the field of opera with an extensive knowledge of the history of vocal music, and his books include volumes 1 and 2 of The Record of Singing and The Great Caruso. In 1992, he also wrote Maria Meneghini Callas, being one of the few Maria Callas biographers to have seen her frequently on stage in her prime. He was also a contributor to Opera News.

In the review of this book for Opera News, Albert Innaurato writes, "His is the only biography to understand how Callas compares with and differs from Tetrazzini, Ponselle and Patti. And since Scott is neither a hysteric nor a fan, he is just and interesting in comparing Callas with Tebaldi and Sutherland. In fact his crisp, unsentimental manner may unsettle some readers—he responds to Callas as an artist, not as a tragedy queen, and does not linger over her miserable last years or indulge in psychologizing."

Michael Scott died in Minehead, England, on 6 April 2019, at the age of 84.

source: Wikipedia

Reviews

[Ann Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Great Caruso is a rare and wonderful exploration of the personal and professional life of one of the finest tenors of our age - Enrico Caruso. The reader is carried along in a surge of opportunities and performances too numerous to list here. At his height, Caruso handled a blistering appearance and performance schedule, one which would have done in a lesser tenor. His incredible talents shone brilliantly in operas both in the United States and overseas, in between brief and cherished weeks or months spent in his Italian retreat.

I found the tale of his personal life most engaging. Caruso’s first marriage was a little rocky, but eventually he found wedded bliss and it is clear that he adored his children. Family always came first for him and my heart was so touched by Enrico’s tragic end, a death which might have been avoided if the signs had been correctly interpreted and his demanding schedule lightened. Nevertheless, for all too brief a time, Enrico Caruso dazzled and inspired audiences worldwide, his star burning brightly whether it was within the intimate setting of a friend’s parlor or upon the lofty boards of the Met. For anyone who adores music, this book is a treasure.

[Aaron]

So far so good..............