REVIEWED IN BRIEF

"Two considerations have prompted me to write this book on Enrico Caruso's art: first, the desire to pay my tribute to the memory of a friend and a great artist, and second, the hope that I could pass on to all who are concerned with the art of singing Caruso's methods . . . and ideals of singing as well as his practical advice to singers." So speaks Salvatore Yucito, Caruso's coach and accompanist from 1915 until the great tenor's death in 1921, in introduction to his "Caruso and the Art of Singing." (Stokes, $3.00,)

The story of Enrico Caruso's life is that of his art. The two are inseparable, and so while the book is primarily concerned with Caruso's methods, a great deal of enjoyable biography creeps into it. Thus we hear of him as a schoolboy of Naples, playing hookey and swimming in the bay. He did not take kindly to education or to work in the De Lucca Mechanical Laboratories where his father was employed, and so on his mother's death, Enrico, aged fifteen, left home and became a scugnizzo, a wandering singer of the streets, singing for a few soldi or for the pure joy of song. He was called "Arichetielli," and soon became known as the best boy singer in Naples. After that comes the story of his swift rise to fame, too familiar now to need repeating here.

Mr. Yucito has gone very thoroughly into the reasons for Caruso's success. He speaks of his fine physique and his robust constitution, but he calls especial attention to Caruso as an ambitious and eager student, --never satisfied,--always pushing onward. He quotes the tenor as saying:-- "Success is due to real work along one's natural calling. Work, work, and still more work, makes the fine singer. Laziness in preparatory work makes the failure."

To singers and coaches the book will be a valuable aid; and to all lovers of music it will stand as a sincere tribute to an artist by a fellow artist.