THIS PROJECT IS RESERVED ONLY FOR THE GREATEST! Do you agree with my choice? Please comment!

Fernando de Lucia, Tenor (1860-1925)

Giacomo Puccini - Tosca
E lucevan le stelle
(Recorded 1919)

My personal opinion: It´s not easy to describe the voice and art of Fernando de Lucia, a tenor before Caruso, who moved between two worlds: The old age of Belcanto and the upcoming of Verismo.
One side, he performed in the way the old school did, on the other hand he sang Puccini and late Verdi with the attributes of pure Belcanto. He was without doubt a great artist, but some recordings (for example this "E lucevan") are presenting a strange mixture. He sang the whole piece wonderful in the old way, but at the end he allowed himself passion and sobbing. After Caruso raised up, de Lucia had to made concessions. At the time of this recording, Caruso was still alive.
Make your own verdict about him - and let me know!

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