The parade of aspirants to the title "Next Great Tenor" has, at times, seemed endless. But no one had been able to reach up and firmly grasp the brass ring, until Salvatore Licitra entered the fray armed with extraordinary natural ability and an impressive list of credentials. Trained by the venerable Carlo Bergonzi, the young singer has already established a considerable reputation through triumphs at La Scala and the Arena of Verona, and his Metropolitan Opera debut could become the stuff of legend. Called upon at the eleventh hour to fill in for an ailing Luciano Pavarotti, he was whisked to New York via Concorde with barely enough time to unpack a toothbrush before he wowed audience and critics alike. But the proof is in the singing, and his maiden recital disc offers that proof in abundance. Licitra, steeped in the Italian tenor tradition, wisely plays to his strengths and devotes the album solely to arias by Puccini and Verdi. He moves through these masterworks with poise and confidence, displaying a powerful vocal style and a sure sense of musicianship. It may be premature to anoint him just yet, but this auspicious debut augurs well for a bright future.