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
Giuseppe Caruso (brigand) Giuseppe Caruso (brigand) Giuseppe Caruso, nicknamed "Zi 'Beppe" (Atella, 18 December 1820 - Atella, 1892), was an Italian brigand, the most distinguished of the Lucan banditry. He was, with Giovanni 'Coppa' Fortunato and Ninco Nanco, one of the most ruthless deputies of Carmine Crocco but, after that he was delivered to the Savoy authorities in 1863, he also was one of the responsibles of the suppression of banditry in the Vulture. According to the Crocco's sayings, Caruso killed 124 people in about four years as a fugitive. Before becoming a brigand, Caruso was a rural caretaker for the Saraceno noble