Mattinata (Leoncavallo) Mattinata (Leoncavallo) "Do not confuse with songs of the same name by Ottorino Respighi and Paolo Tosti." Mattinata (; English: "Morning") was the first song ever written expressly for the Gramophone Company (the present day HMV). Composed by Ruggero Leoncavallo in 1904, this song was dedicated to Enrico Caruso, who was the first to record it in 1904 with the composer at the piano. Ever since, this piece has become a concert favourite. More than a half-century later this song was recorded by Italian-born tenor Sergio Franchi on his American-debut album, "Romantic Italian Songs" (RCA Victor Red Seal, 1962). In
Enrico Caruso Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil in 1917, and two years later performed in Mexico City. In 1920, he was paid the enormous sum of 10,000 U.S. dollars a night (~$126,000 in 2018) to sing in Havana, Cuba. The United States had entered World War I in 1917, sending troops to Europe. Caruso did extensive charity work during the conflict, raising money for war-related patriotic causes by giving concerts and participating enthusiastically in Liberty Bond drives. The tenor had shown himself to be a shrewd businessman since arriving in America. He put a sizable proportion of his earnings from record royalties and