He was the greatest tenor of his day and probably of all time. Trained
naturally in singing Neapolitan ballads, Enrico Caruso (1873-1921)
achieved a vocal quality often described as celestial or golden. His
breath control was such that he could deliver the longest phrase without
any suggestion of difficulty, while his superb enunciation and an
intense quality of pathos in his voice enabled him to reach and affect
audiences on the deepest level.
This historic volume, dedicated to the great tenor and published shortly
after his death, explains clearly and scientifically how Caruso achieved
his phenomenal voice production. Written by a noted laryngologist and
student of voice who devoted much of his career to working with Caruso
and other singers, the book proposes a method of voice culture based on
well-defined physiological laws. According to Dr. Marafioti, these is
only one right way to sing -- a method based on the scientific
principles of voice culture. Although Caruso instinctively sang that
way, the methods can be learned by any singer.
Since singing, in essence, is merely speaking in musical rhythm, the
first requirements for correct singing is a correctly produced speaking
voice. This involves using the minimum tension of breath and vocal cords
required for each tone; insuring that laryngeal sounds are transmitted
to the mouth free of any interference; developing the quality of
resonance, and so on. To help singers achieve these goals, the author
prescribes exercises for correct voice production, vocal exercises to
insure correct enunciation, methods to avoid (taking a breath before
starting, singing double vowels, accentuating top tunes, etc.), and
more.
Replete with practical instructions and advice for aspiring singers,
this book is also a fascinating document of musical history -- an
intimate revelation of the natural gifts that underlay Caruso's
artistry, his passionate dedication to his art, and the immortal legacy
of song he left behind.
