Giacomo Lauri-Volpi - A Te O Cara (From I Puritani") download song

When Giacomo Lauri-Volpi stood before the orchestra and the single microphone in the Camden church studio of the Victor Company as he sang this second take of " A te, o cara" on January 16, 1928, he left posterity a prime example of bel canto as he had heard it from Alessandro Bonci, his model and inspiration. As he progressed to the middle of the aria, his voice resounded through the studio, leaving for posterity a recording that stands alone of this extremely challenging aria.

Lauri volpi... High notes were definitely not his problem. He had the ability to sing wonderful high notes with a legato...

Pure magic..not human..he is wind surfing with his voice over the notes. Does he ever breath?

I've found a treasure I never knew existed!

First, this is an incredible reproduction. You have an amazing playback instrument. - I can't say I've seen anything like it. Second, I am in awe of Lauri-Volpi. I have been listening to a lot of old masters. He reminds me of Caruso in the unhurried and crystal clear enunciation of the lyrics - you don't need to read the lyrics when you hear him - but the sheer melody and emotion - oh my! True greatness this. 

A superlative interpretation which in my opinion has never been surpassed.. Apart from possessing a supremely beautiful voice, he sings with real imagination and the combination is irresistible. I heard him in the flesh and it was a large voice. with incredible squilllo which could cut through the loudest orchestral tuttis with ease.. His books are well worth reading even though one may not agree with all his views on colleagues..

I have no doubt why so many famous tenors of today and yesterday look to Maestro Lauri-Volpi as their inspiration!  The last of the great Belcanto tenors... the gold standard!  Thank you for sharing this sublime listening experience!  A timeless treasure to be sure!!

Pure belcanto, pure art, pure imagination...

One of the greatest performances of this difficult aria I've heard.

Lauri-Volpi sings so beautifully he breaks your heart. I so wish we had him when the technology had progressed!