“Caro, mio ben”

Online Courses & Singing Lessons on Zoom

See “KARAOKE KORNER” below for technical help . . .
–HIGH KEY–
–LOW KEY–

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The importance of “Caro mio ben” for young students of singing can hardly be over emphasized. It is the hands-down, most popular of the 24 Italian Songs and Arias by a long shot. In fact, it is Googled in excess of 1000 times a month—more frequently than any other of the Italian songs. But why? What is the enduring attraction of “Caro mio ben”?

Historical and Pedagogical Significance

“Caro mio ben” was composed by Tomasso Giordani in the 18th century not as an aria in an opera, but rather as a standalone concert piece. The song grew in popularity during the bel canto era when the style of singing emphasized beauty of tone and expressive, legato phrasing. “Caro mio ben” is replete with those qualities with its captivating melody and heartfelt lyrics.

Musical Structure and Challenges

In spite of its apparent simplicity, “Caro mio ben” can serve as a valuable pedagogical tool for college singing students. It’s challenging! Singers must sing the slow-tempo piece with its long lyric vocal line in a seamless legato. The B section, which requires increasing emotional intensity, can be a hurdle for young singers. The lyrics have real emotional depth couched in understatement. Here are the words with their English translation:

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Caro mio ben lyrics

Caro, mio ben
credimi, almen
senza di te
languische il cor.
Il tuo fedel
sospira ognor
cessa, crudel,
tanto rigor.

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Caro mio ben translation

Dearest, my beloved
Believe me at least this much,
Without you,
languishes my heart.
Your faithful one
sighs always
cease, cruel one,
Such rigor (meanness).

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COVID-19 and Singing

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to be nimble and quick in finding ways to learn how to sing better in an imperfect world. Mercifully, online courses and singing lessons on Zoom are enhanced by the study of Italian song.

In addition to the wealth of recordings online of full performances and karaoke piano accompaniments, YouTube often features videos to help with pronunciation and interpretation of these classics. Aided by metronomes on both sides of the computer screen, teachers and students can stay “on the same page” and thrive while learning. Importantly, virtual lessons provide the opportunity for continued guidance and immediate feedback which, in a pre-Internet era, would not have been possible. (Click here for more tips on learning to sing online.)

Conclusion

Beyond its musical significance, “Caro mio ben” holds sentimental value for many listeners. Its lyrics, which express love and longing, resonate with people on a personal level, evoking emotions of tenderness and nostalgia. “Caro mio ben” is significant for its contribution to the classical music canon, its representation of Italian vocal tradition, and its ability to touch the hearts of listeners with its timeless beauty and emotive qualities.

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Luciano Pavarotti

Our first performance is by renowned tenor, Luciano Pavarotti. His sincerity and commitment to the performance is remarkable. I think you’ll agree that he achieves the goal of igniting the B section, all while clutching that handkerchief in his left hand which legend says he called “my friend.”

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Dmitri Hvorostovsky

Our second performance is by Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky. This is obviously an encore to a live performance. He, too, gives enormous intensity to the dramatic feeling implied by this otherwise restrained song.

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Amelita Galli-Curci

Please enjoy Amelita Galli-Curci performing “Caro, mio ben” with orchestra. She takes an optional higher note at the end of the performance. Her touching pianissimo when returning to the A’ section is particularly poignant.

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Hillary Duff?!

Why is she on this post?! Among the Hillary Duff movies, there is one, Raise Your Voice, in which her character impresses a music teacher by singing a few lines of “Caro, mio ben.” Obviously, Ms. Duff has had a few voice lessons in her life and wanted to feature that in her movie!

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STUDENT HONORABLE MENTIONS!

Here are some student performances to inspire you. Many thanks to all who contributed!

SOPRANO VOICE

MEZZO-SOPRANO VOICE

TENOR VOICE

BARITONE VOICE

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KARAOKE KORNER . . .
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are providing services for learning online. both during the pandemic and moving forward into the future.

Below are Karaoke-style accompaniments in both high and low keys presented along side full performances. Each listing also includes audio metronome and tonic-pitch sound videos to help you sing more independently when learning online. Sub-sections of the songs are then presented to help you dig down and refine your learning.

These measures will promote more comprehensive and effective learning while studying singing remotely. Good luck and have fun!

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–HIGH KEY–

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(back to the top…)
Metronome marking:

Click here for 50 BPM

Tonic note pitch:

Click here for the tone: D#/Eb

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ENTIRE ACCOMPANIMENT ONLY (high key):

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FULL PERFORMANCE:

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TOP OF PG. 86: “Il tuo fedele . . .”

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PG. 86, MEASURE 16: “Cessa, cruel, tanto rigor! . . .”

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BOTTOM OF PG. 86, MEASURE 21: “Caro mio ben . . .”

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PG. 87, MEASURE 25: “Caro mio ben . . .”

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PG. 87, MEASURE 27: “senza di te . . .”

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–LOW KEY–

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(back to the top…)
Metronome marking:

Click here for 50 BPM

Tonic note pitch:

Click here for the tone: C

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ENTIRE ACCOMPANIMENT ONLY (low key):

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FULL PERFORMANCE:

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TOP OF PG. 86: “Il tuo fedele . . .”