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 to walk to the St. Francis Hotel for breakfast. Charlie Olson, the broiler cook, made the tenor bacon and eggs. Apparently the quake had no effect on Caruso's appetite, as he cleaned his plate and tipped Olson $2.50. Caruso made an ultimately successful effort to flee the city, first by boat and then by train. He vowed never to return to San Francisco and kept his word. In November 1906, Caruso was charged with an indecent act allegedly committed in the monkey house of New York's Central Park Zoo. The police accused him of pinching the buttocks of a married