Enrico Caruso Essentials

A genuine rags-to-riches career saw Caruso, born in Naples in 1873, rise to the top of his profession to rule at New York's Met and command staggering fees. His sweet, lyric-moving-to-dramatic voice won hearts the world over, and he extended his appeal by embracing the recording industry, then still in its infancy—he made over 250 recordings that were hugely popular, making him one of classical music's first recording stars. He created a number of major operatic roles, including Dick Johnson in Puccini's La fanciulla del West. He is still worshipped by tenors today as an artist and role model—and you'll understand why with this selection of some of his best work.