Riccardo Stracciari sings Core 'ngrato

One of the great Italian baritones singing the well-known Neapolitan song by Salvatore Cardillo "Core 'ngrato." Riccardo Stracciari (1875-1955) had a rich baritone voice with great projection which recorded very well in the acoustic recording period (pre-1926). This acoustic record side was recorded in 1918 and issued on Columbia Symphony Series 49522. As with all the records I am posting here I am playing this on my wonderful restored portable Columbia. I improved my audio recording capability, so I think this sounds better than my previous attempts. I do hope you enjoy!
Core 'ngrato (Salvatore Cardillo 1874-1947)
Catari, Catari,
Pecchè me dici sti parole amare,
Pecchè me parle e 'o core
Me turmiento Catari?
Num te scurdà ca t'aggio date 'o core, Catari
Nun te scurdà!
Catari, Catari, che vene a dicere
Stu parlà, che me dà spaseme?
Tu nun 'nce pienze a stu dulore mio
Tu num 'nce pienze tu nun te ne cura
Core, core 'ngrato
T'aie pigliato 'a vita mia.
Tutt' è passato
E nun'nce pienze cchiù!
Catari, Catari,
Tu nun 'o saie ca'nfin'int' a na chiesa
Io so' trasuto e aggio priato a Dio, Catari.
E l'aggio ditto pure a 'o cunfessore:
I' sto a fuffrì
Pe' chella llà!
Sto a suffrì,
Sto a suffrì, nun se po' credere,
Sto a suffrì tutte li strazie!
E 'o cunfessore ch'è persona santa,
M'ha ditto: Figlio mio, lassala sta', lassala sta'.
Core, core 'ngrato
T' aie pigliato 'a vita mia.
Tutt' è passato
E nun'nce pienze cchiù!

[@raphabenbenjamin]

Wow. I am stunned. I have loved Stracciari since my voice teacher Cornelius Reid suggested he was his favorite baritone. As Rosa Ponselle said "Now THAT was a baritone." This voice filled any space (that was acoustic) with plenty of power and ring but I think the impression he left was a voice of rare beauty. And it just keeps coming at you! Thank you so much for posting this treasure.

[@raphaelhudson]

Stracciari is my favourite baritone (apart from my teacher). I have his whole Rigoletto - just awesome.

[@operalament]

absolutely heart wrenching. one of the baritones with whom i was introduced very in my life. thank you. mike

[@legatofancier]

Such a sublime, heartbreaking recording of this beautiful song! Although I'm a bit surprised to discover that Stracciari recorded it, the fact that it is a great interpretation comes as no surprise at all. Such deep feeling, without a trace of vulgarity! Beautifully, beautifully sung!

[@Ruffiello]

My favorite version of his piece, bar none.
Thanks!

[@pietrodi1]

che goduria!!!!! nella voce baritonale si perde un po di squillo ma il morbido velluto con cui stracciari dipana la melodia fa venire i brividi!!!

[@OLIVCHEN77]

He would be the Emperor of the Baritones today

[@RemzofFrance]

Thanks for posting.

[@mazzioed]

Regarding the commenta about the A flat, I was in Rome in the 50's when Stracciari was still teachig. One of his students told me he could still sing a B flat.

[@65attila]

I love this performanc. Could you kindly "The Evening Bells are Ringing". It is stunning.
Thanks-John

[@65attila]

Friend - this is a stunning performance. There is a song sung by RS called
"When the Evening Bells are Ringing" which is one of the most glorious thinbngs I have ever heard. Could you post it?
With highest regards-John

[@barbaricyawper14]

I'm very glad you enjoyed this, Mike. This is indeed a very moving rendition. One of my favorite records!

[@Jack82you]

An A flat is not too difficult for a baritone like Stracciari, especially in those years.

[@65attila]

Stunning singing.
Riccardo Stracciari recorded a song called "When the Evening Bells are Ringing".
Could you please post it?
Thanks-John

[@bodiloto]

gigante .