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Editorial Review:
From the youthful bloom and impetuous swagger of Enrico Caruso's debut 1902 recordings to the darker, almost baritonal overtones typifying his final sessions before the acoustic horn, the singer's resplendent vocalism and generous performing style remain the archetype for Italian tenors. As a child of the late 19th century, Caruso was prone to embellish upon composers' texts, yet his passion, communicative power, and soaring musicality transcend time. The Italian sessions from 1902 to 1904 and Caruso's recordings with piano between 1904 and 1905, along with two later sides, receive conventional, unaltered transfers. The remaining material is restored via the controversial Soundstream computer process, which fleshes out the lower partials of the voice while compromising its overtones, relegating the orchestral accompaniment to a rumbling backdrop rather than contributing partner. Yet many will find the Soundstream transfers easier on the ear. Those who wish to acquire the complete Caruso in a single package at midprice should not hesitate to purchase this significant set. --Jed Distler
Customer Reviews: Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0  No - the deffect is NOT on EVERY set!!!: 
The deffect that some previous reviewers were so mad about did not happen to my set. After purchasing it for two years and listening to the disks every other day, they are still shiny and beautiful like new. You can't use the word "EVERY" so cavelierly, because you have not listened to EVERY set.
The Master of Italian Tenor Singing-Get it:
I have been collecting Caruso performance since 1960- of course they were on vinyl- I even had some 78's. I think the 78 and vinyl records produced a warmer tone, but it is a delight to have the Master's performances in one place. My vinyls are worn to shreds.
Except for the lighter and bel canto roles, Caruso is supreme in the Italian and some of the French repetoire. Last night I listened to the Quartet from Martha for the first time in many years. Caruso sings about a 20 second phrase beginning... more info WARNING-All Original Releases Corrode Because of Dye: 
EVERYONE who bought the ORIGINAL multi-disc release has seen each disc become unplayable through corrosion because of a dye used to print the label side. BMG is well aware of this and has been inundated with demands for replacement.
This set is available in a subsequently released BUDGET compilation, also available through AMAZON. There are no manufacturing defects. from a 13 year old kid:
it is a great cd. when they say complete, they mean complete! 12 cds about 70mins each. comes with booklet with recording dates and matrix #s. in cardboardy-leather box. i did not have a probelem with red batwing labels making a clear film. the set is from the 70's but is the quality that great any way? contains private recordings.
Tracks:
- Act 1. Studenti! Udite!
- Act 1. Questa o quella
- Act 1. Celeste Aida
- Act 2. Chiudo gil occhi (Il Sogno)
- Act 2. Una furtiva lagrima
- Epilogue. Guinto sul passo estremo
- Act 1. Ah vieni qui ... No, non chiuder gli occhi vaghi
- Act 1. Dai campi, dai prati
- Act 3. E lucevan le stelle
- Act 1. Apri la tua finestra (Serenata)
- Act 1. Dai campi, dai prati
- Act 2. Amor ti vieta
- Act 1. Celeste Aida
- Act 2. Cielo e mar
- Act 1. Recitar! mentre preso dal delirio... Vesti la giubba
- O Lola (Siciliana)
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