CARUSO, ENRICO, Tenor (Kah-roo-zoh)

CARUSO, ENRICO, Tenor (Kah-roo-zoh) Caruso is the greatest living operatic tenor, one of the outstanding artists of his generation. His American engagements have been a continuous ovation, the great audiences being held spellbound by the exquisite refinement, beauty and power ot his voice. He is a native of Naples and was born in 1873. When he was a mere boy he sang in the churches of Naples, and the beauty of his voice arrested the attention of all who heard it. Caruso was eighteen years old when he met a distinguished baritone, who, after hearing his voice, decided that he would give the young singer substantial assistance. He therefore took him to Maestro Vergine, who was captivated by the beauty and purity of his voice, and began to give him vocal instruction. The singer made his debut in 1894 in Naples, in a now forgotten opera, "L'amico Francesco," afterward singing in various Italian cities and in Cairo. A South American engagement followed, and on his return, alter a season in Milan, it was clear that here was one of the most promising young tenors ever heard in Italy. Caruso had made a success in various countries of Europe before coming to America in 1903, but it was his performance of the Duke at the Metropolitan on November 23d of that year which convinced opera-goers that the greatest ot all tenors had arrived. He recently celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of his operatic debut and was accorded special honors by his colleagues at the Metropolitan. This great artist has made records for the Victor since 1903, and the present contract with the tenor does not expire until 1934.