Caruso or Pavarotti?

... in what sense?

Yeah, "in what sense?". But then: does it make sense? How can one ask "Backhaus or Pollini?"

There is a huge difference: Caruso's recordings are acoustic and from over a century ago, or nearly so, and I don't think anyone truly knows what his real timbre, his stagecraft, or his actual power were like; those who know Pavarotti have at least enjoyed recordings that are technically and technologically more advanced and of a

public that nonetheless had direct experience. Furthermore, one lived for less time (even if both died of similar illnesses).

These are comparisons that cannot be made. That's all. It's like comparing pears to apples

For me, however, it's the Pavarotti of his younger years when perhaps he wasn't so well known, at least in Italy, because abroad he was already a star.

Caruso! Unless it's the first Pavarotti... for which I agree CanCan

LucianoP wrote:

There is a huge difference: Caruso's recordings are acoustic and from over a century ago, or nearly so, and I don't think anyone truly knows what his real timbre, his stagecraft, or his actual power were like; those who know Pavarotti have at least enjoyed recordings that are technically and technologically more advanced and an

a public that nonetheless had direct experience. Furthermore, one lived for less time (even if both died of similar illnesses).

These are comparisons that cannot be made. That's all. It's like comparing pears to apples.

Ok, this is also an answer... which is also quite technical, for that matter.....

let's also talk about two tenors who are very far apart in terms of repertoire, eras, imagery... I mean, it would have made more sense to open a topic asking "does anyone know anything about Caruso?"...

I ask here as well, I don't find it so wrong to compare two performers (see Carlos's example, even if at first glance he hadn't noted a pianist). Obviously, perhaps one cannot speak of reproduction technology, but rather of how two approach the score, yes, etc.

Dilettante wrote:

Even here I ask, I don't find it so wrong to compare two performers (...)

Well, look, one can certainly engage in small talk, but I don't think it has much validity, but I am referring to the specific case. Putting on the same level, for comparison, two performers so distant (Caruso died in '21, do we realize that?) is like asking whether Mahler conducted better or if Zubin Mehta conducts better. Furthermore, I ask: how many operas have you heard sung by Caruso? And, above all, recorded how? That is: is there anyone here who can say they know how Caruso really sang? I believe not...

I agree with the observations made: the comparison is difficult, for the various reasons that have been stated.

THowever, this desire to compare figures from a specific sector of musical art is typical, even if they are distant in time. Music history is full of "querelles" that have animated discussions among enthusiasts. All in all, even the legendary battle between the supporters of Callas and those of Tebaldi did not make much sense: it is true that the two singers worked during the same period, but today we can historically appreciate the qualities of each without necessarily taking sides.

In any case, I enjoyed the television drama about Caruso, which probably inspired the question asked by our friend Annuccia. It seemed to me a good historical and environmental reconstruction, despite some inaccuracies.