Caruso, Enrico
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Caruso, Enrico: (b. Feb. 27, 1873 in Naples; d. Aug. 2, 1921). Opera singer. As a child he displayed such singing talent that he was called upon to perform in his local church and at festivals. At the age of 15, his mother became seriously ill, but when he wished to remain by her side, she insisted that he go to church to sing. He obeyed her wishes but, upon returning home, he found his mother dead. Enrico continued to develop his talents of music and theatrics on his own without receiving formal training. He eventually joined touring companies with brought him to the attention of a wider audience. Caruso continued to advance his career until he was performing in the great theaters of Milan and London, finally crossing the Atlantic to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He toured the United States and had the misfortune to be in San Francisco when the great earthquake of 1906 occurred. He survived unscathed but vowed never to return to that city. Caruso returned to the Met in New York where he would continue his career, performing there a total of 607 times. Eventually ill health forced him to retire and he returned to Naples with his family. He died in that city at the age of 48.