Sinatra And Caruso: Immortal Bookends

It is fascinating to consider that Enrico Caruso, the preeminent tenor in history, commanded the operatic world at the beginning of the 20th century with his intensely beautiful sound, while Frank Sinatra, the peerless pop artist with another enchanting voice, closed it. The similarities between the two singers are striking. Both artists were born with exceptional, but unfinished instruments, and worked tirelessly to master all aspects of their singing. Though both gained direction—and inspiration—from the classic Bel Canto traditions, they creatively refashioned this influence to serve their own aesthetic ends. This can be heard in their Italian, cello-like “golden tones” that have become the most distinctive and beloved in music history.

Additionally, both artists were instinctive musicians and masters of phrasing, rhythm, enunciation, tonal coloring, emotional communication, and conversational singing, as mentioned in my postyesterday. Both had a profound influence on all subsequent generations of singers in their respective genres, and have set standards by which other singers are measured. Finally, both Caruso and Sinatra conveyed through their singing a simple humanity that touched the hearts of countless music lovers, and moved their fans to laughter and tears, to excitement and reflection, and to wonder and passionate longing. There have never been two more intimate singers, nor have there ever been two singers who have meant so much to Western culture.