Undoubtedly, many have heard the remarkable vocal piece ‘In Memory of Caruso.’ People have grown accustomed to the notion that if a singer performs ‘like Caruso,’ it signifies flawless singing. However, not everyone may be aware of how challenging the life of the great tenor truly was. Nevertheless… How did the song ‘In Memory of Caruso’ come to be?

1986. The Bay of Naples, with its deep blue sky reflected in the sea. Sunlight sparkles and shimmers on the vast 23-meter yacht, Brilla Billy, gracefully leaving a foamy trail. Onboard is the renowned singer and composer, Lucho Dalla, the owner of this immaculate beauty. Suddenly, the engine halts. Naples is not far away, and in all likelihood, Lucho decided not to take any risks, to find the cause ashore, and rectify the malfunction. A night’s stay at the famous Grand Hotel Vesuvio would be suitable. The history of this hotel is quite remarkable.

Lucho Dalla

‘Grand Hotel du Vesuve’ was constructed in 1882, exuding luxury and sophistication. It hosted distinguished guests such as Guy de Maupassant, Oscar Wilde, and, of course, Enrico Caruso, who affectionately referred to it as his ‘Neapolitan home.’ The hotel was destroyed during the war and rebuilt in 1950. The hotel staff and owners take pride in their illustrious clientele.

Lucho, dining in the restaurant, listens to tales of the great bel canto maestro, his final days, and a beautiful love story…

…A rainy spring day in May 1921. The white ship from America arrived punctually. Authorities and friends gathered at the dock, eagerly awaiting Enrico Caruso’s return to Italy. He was gravely ill but hoped that the sea, sun, and warm climate would restore his health. Locals offered free medical treatment. Everyone wanted to save the great Caruso, but it was futile. Too late, much too late. Caruso, deeply in love with his Italy, his native Naples – the city that had twice booed him on stage and subjected him to destructive criticism – remained sincerely and generously Neapolitan at heart.

Apart from music, his passions included drawing, composing musical works, playing the flute, piano, and the Neapolitan cuisine. Perhaps that’s why he assisted Italian chefs relocating to America, supporting them both financially and spiritually. Interestingly, Caruso would often enter the kitchens of Italian restaurants, showcasing his culinary skills. Occasionally, with a lack of modesty, he would tell his guests, ‘You can say I am a mediocre tenor, but you cannot say I am a bad cook!’

To this day, the Hotel Vesuvio continues to prepare ‘Bucatini alla Caruso,’ a dish with thick macaroni or spaghetti, as the Italians call it.

Enrico Caruso

On August 1, 1921, Caruso stopped in Naples at the Hotel Vesuvio on his way to Rome, intending to spend the night. However, a mystical event occurred. The first light of dawn on August 2 illuminated Caruso’s extinguished face. His accompanying artists were horrified…

The narrative continues, detailing Caruso’s love for a much younger girl and how the brilliance of his golden tenor voice reflected the native sky, the sound of sea waves, and the fire of Vesuvius.

Deeply moved by the story of his compatriot, Lucho Dalla starts humming the melody, playing it on the piano in the restaurant. This is how the song ‘In Memory of Caruso’ was born. To this day, it carries a mystery. To whom is this song dedicated: Caruso’s wife, his daughter, or an unknown lover? In my opinion, that doesn’t matter. The author, in full health and strength, unexpectedly ceased breathing on the morning of March 1, 2012, in the Swiss city of Montreux. Mystical again? I don’t know.

I want to mention that many have performed the song ‘In Memory of Caruso’ dedicated to the Golden Tenor. Luciano Pavarotti and Mireille Mathieu, Julio Iglesias, Tamara Gverdtsiteli, Aleksandr Gradsky, Al Bano, the author sang it as a duet with Luciano Pavarotti, and even Luciano’s granddaughter sang it at a young age. Sometimes there is a debate about who sings it better. Some prefer Laura Fabian or Nikolai Baskov. In my opinion, it’s Julio Iglesias, Mireille Mathieu, and Pavarotti.

Luchiano Pavarotti Mireille Mathieu Julio Iglesias