CARUSO, ENRICO. (1873-1921). Italian tenor and perhaps the most famous singer in history. Signed caricature. (“Enri Carus”). 1p. 8vo. (5 ¼” x 6 ½”). Boston, 1908. A self-caricature of a mustachioed Caruso in profile, signed diagonally in the lower right corner.

From his first performance at New York’s Metropolitan Opera in 1903, Caruso became a sensation and the stage’s greatest attraction. Of the more than 50 roles he performed, the majority were at the Met. Thanks in part to his phonograph recordings, some of the first made by any singer, Caruso is remembered as one of the most talented tenors ever. “His phenomenal tone production, the smoothness of his registers, the nobility of his acting and singing style are even today to be marveled at on his more than two hundred records,” (A Concise Biographical Dictionary of Singers, Kutsch & Riemens).

Ours is a classic example of Caruso’s caricatures, signed when he was on tour in Boston with the Metropolitan Opera Company in April 1908. Lightly folded in quarters and affixed to a larger sheet of black paper on the verso of which is a portion of a concert program page signed by pianist of English pianist Harold Bauer (19873-1951). In fine condition.